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E\^MCeLICy\LLUTH€RAN SYjtoD 



E^st Pennsylvania 




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REV. PROF. CHARLES A. HAY, D. D. 

Born February ii, 1821 Died June 26, 1893. 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



Evangelical Lutheran Synod 



OF 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA, 



WITH 



BRIEF SKETCHES OF ITS CONGREGATIONS. 



PUBLISHED BY THE SYfNOD IN COMMEMORATION OF 
ITS SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY. 



1842-1892. 



PHILADELPHIA : 

LUTHERAN PUBLICATION SOCIETY T . 



JW : 



<*\ 






3Sutlt upon tlje foundation of tl;e apostles anto prophets, 'Stem 
Cljrtfit Inmself betna; tlje cbtef Cornerstone. — Ephesians ii. 20. 



/# 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

I. Preface 5 

II. Programme of Semi-Centennial Celebration (including 
Brief Historical Notes, Order of Exercises, and Jubilee 
Poem) 7 

III. Historical Sketch of the Synod 15 

IV. Table of Synodical Meetings and Officers 47 

V. Sketches of Congregations 49 

VI. Statistical Table, Showing the Progress of Synod by 

Decades 323 

VII. Parochial Reports for the Year Ending September, 1892. 324 

VIII. Register of Pastors 338 

IX. Index of Churches and Pastoral Charges 369 

X. Constitution of Synod, as Amended September, 1892 373 

(3) 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE 

1. Portrait of Prof. Charles A. Hay, D. D Frontispiece 

2. Engraving of the Hill Union Church, near Annville, Pa. 58 

3. Engraving of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church and Parsonage, 

Annville, Pa 61 

4. Engraving of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Allentown, Pa. 79 

5. Engraving of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Manheim, Pa.. . . 111 

6. Engraving of St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Philadel- 

phia, Pa 142 

7. Engraving of St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Reading, Pa. 1 60 

8. Engraving of the English Evangelical Lutheran Church and Parson- 

age, Pottsville, Pa 172 

9. Engraving of St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church, Riegelsville, Pa 187 

10. Engraving of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lykens, Pa 196 

11. Engraving of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Pa. 206 

12. Engraving of Seventh Street Evangelical Lutheran Church, Leba- 

non, Pa 208 

13. Engraving of St. James' Evangelical Lutheran Church and Parson- 

age, Ashland, Pa 216 

14. Engraving of St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church and Par- 

sonage, Schuylkill Haven, Pa 221 

15. Engraving of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, Pa. 239 

16. Engraving of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Easton, Pa... 250 

17. Engraving of Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, West Philadel- 

phia, Pa '. 259 

18. Engraving of St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lancas- 

ter, Pa 261 

19. Engraving of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Easton, Pa... 263 

20. Engraving of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Steelton, Pa. . • 267 

21. Engraving of Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, Pa 280 

22. Engraving of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Harrisburg, Pa. 285 

23. Engraving of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Norwood, Pa. 288 

24. Engraving of St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Chapel, Allentown, Pa.. .. 292 

25. Engraving of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Coatesville, Pa. . 300 

26. Engraving of Ebenezer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Berbice, Brit- 

ish Guiana, S. A » 313 

(4) 



PREFACE. 



In addition to the Historical Address delivered at the celebra- 
tion of the semi-centennial anniversary of the Synod, it has been 
thought best, in the exercise of the liberty given the committee- 
by Synod, to publish a brief sketch of every congregation now in 
our connection, and also a few general tables illustrating the 
progress and present condition of the Synod, concluding with 
the amended form of constitution and by-laws, as adopted at the 
late convention in Lancaster. 

The separate sketches, prepared by the respective pastors or 
under their direction, display great diversity in compass and 
style. The incompleteness of old records is lamented by many 
of the writers, and their entire loss by others. The committee, 
having free access to the invaluable treasures of the Lutheran 
Historical Society at Gettysburg, Pa., has endeavored, by the use 
of these and by direct correspondence, to supply as far as possi- 
ble the more essential details inaccessible to local authorities. 
The final proof of the sketches, thus amended, has in every case 
been submitted to the accredited authors for approval. 

The record of events closes with the completion of the various 
manuscripts within the period intervening between the session of 
Synod in September and the close of the year 1892. The pres- 
ent rapid development of our churches is constantly furnishing 
new items of interest, and many such have been offered to the 
committee as this work has been passing through the press ; but 
justice to all has compelled the rigid exclusion of additional ma- 
terial. It is earnestly hoped that pastors and church councils 

(5) 



6 PREFACE. 

are preserving full and accurate accounts of these events for the 
future historian. 

The illustrations embodied are such as were furnished by the 
respective congregations in response to request of the commit- 
tee, as published in the church papers and included in circular 
letter addressed to each pastor. It is matter for regret that not 
all our pastorates have availed themselves of the opportunity 
thus afforded. 

The Clerical Register was formed by a careful collation of the 
manuscripts presented, and embodies also in condensed form the 
results of further investigation and correspondence. It is be- 
lieved that it will be found generally accurate. 

Many pastors, in forwarding their manuscripts, have taken 
occasion to express their gratitude to the Synod for instituting 
the work of investigation. It appears to have awakened a 
deeper interest in the local churches, and stimulated pastors and 
people to greater effort to maintain and improve the precious 
heritage received from the fathers. May the publication of our 
little volume tend to cultivate this spirit, and thus promote the 
prosperity of Zion. 

The death of the Syncdical Historian having occurred just as 
our work was passing through the press, it has been thought fitting 
to present to the reader, on the second page, a life-like portrait- 
ure of the familiar countenance. No one felt a keener interest in 
the welfare of our Synod than did Dr. Hay, and his sudden de 
parture is most widely deplored. The memory of his gentle 
spirit, his unfailing enthusiasm and his simple faith will long linger 
as an inspiration, and his influence will still be felt at our annual 

gatherings. 

Henry S. Boner, 

Chas. E. Hay, 

M. Coover, 

Committee. 



~JL 1842. 1892. \ 

Jubilee Celebration 



Evangelical Lutheran Synod 



East Pennsylvania, 



St. John's Church, 

(rev b. f. alleman, d. d., pastor.) 
LANCASTER, PA., 

Tbursmy Evening, gEPTEMBER 22, 1592, 



Lutheran Publication house print. 



The 
Evangelical 
Lutheran Synod of 
East Pennsylvania is one ot 
the twenty-six District Synods now 
constituting the General Synod. Its congre- 
gations are found in 13 counties in the southeastern 
part of the State; and in these counties there exist also numerous 
congregations connected with the Synod of Pennsylvania. In all, there 
are 8 Synods within the bounds of this State, besides scattered congregations 
belonging to other Synods. The Minutes of 1891 report, for the Synod 
of East Pennsylvania, 85 Ministers, 117 Congregations, 14 
Preaching Stations, and 18,766 Communing Members. 
The entire Lutheran Church in this country con- 
tains now, approximately, 5,200 Min- 
isters, 9,cco Congregations, 
and 1,200,000 Com- 
muning Mem- 
bers. 







■HH|! 




IitspMctl LiihsEta Sjaei 



OF EA5T PENNSYLVANIA 



was formally organized, and the name adopted, in the lecture-room of Trinity 
Church, Lancaster, May 3d, 1842. 

There were present on that day, and participating in the movement, nine 
ministers and two laymen, who had retired for the purpose from the Synod of 
Pennsylvania, then in session at that Church. 

The first annual meeting was held in St. Peter's Church, Pikeland, Chester 
County — where the President, Rev. Frederick Ruthrauff, was the pastor — be- 
ginning October 15th, 1842, within a few days of fifty years ago. At that 
session the Constitution was framed. * 

In the meantime, a quarter of a century ago, the organizing of the Susque- 
hanna Synod cut off a large part of this Synod's territory. That Synod now 
presents a statistical showing, in the number of ministers, etc., equal to half 
that of this body. 

The places and dates of all the annual meetings, together with the names of 
officers, are printed from year to year, in tabular form, in theSynodical Minutes. 




PRESIDING OFFICER, 



Rev. M. SHEELE1GH, D.D. 



ORGAN VOLUNTARY— ANTHEM: "Before Jehovah's Awful Throne." 

Dr. Madan. 



INVOCATION, 



By Rev. J. H. MENGES. 



HYMN : No. 33 in Book of Worship— " Thee We Adore, Eternal Lord." 

READING OF SCRIPTURE: Psalm xlvi., and 1 Corinthians, iii. 

By the President of the Synod. 



PRAYER, 



By Rev. D. M. Gilbert, D. D. 



ANTHEM : " How Beautiful Upon the Mountains." 



L. O. Emerson. 




~^»P^ 



'm^smsm&sffss* 



wmMmmmmm, 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS, 



By Rev. Prof. C. A. HAY, D. D. 



ANTHEM : Thanksgiving, : 



: Novello. 



HISTORICAL REMINISCENCES, : By Rev. W. M. BAUM, D. D. 
Rev. L. E. ALBERT, D. D., Rev. E. S. HENRY. 

FIVE-MINUTE VOLUNTARY ADDRESSES. 



ANTHEM : " I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord." 



A.J. Abbey. 



PRAYER, 



By Rev. S. A. HOLMAN, D. D. 



DOXOLOGY : " Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow. 



BENEDICTION. 



Rev. W. L. HEISLER. 



POEM : 



BY REV. MATTHIAS SHEELEIGH, D. D. 



John iv. 38. — " Other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors." — The Saviour. 

1 Corinthians iii. 10.—" I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But 
let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon."— St. Paid. 



As roll the planets in their spheres, 
We note the signs of circling years, 
That, measured out, 'neath God's decree, 
Extend from birth to Jubilee. 

Yet not in skyey space alone, 
But here as well, in earthly zone, 
Within His Church's light and grace, 
The doings of the Lord we trace. 

At length, full fifty years have sped 
Since hopefully were fathers led, 
In wisdom sought above their own, 
To lay in faith a corner-stone. 

To-day, as from this holy place 
Is viewed our Synod's goodly base, 
'Tis ours, as in the years agone, 
To heed how we should build thereon. 



Here long may their successors build, 
With faith and zeal from heaven filled, 
While fathers in their glory bend, 
Watching this temple fair extend ! 

As now in praise we bow us down 
For mercies that our being crown, 
Honored those early men, and true, 
Who " builded better than they knew." 

Could those for Christ who labored here 
Ring out with ours their praises clear, 
To-day how would they tell abroad 
Of work performed for man and God ! 

Like some cathedral early planned, 
A joy and wonder through the land, 
And on whose height shall future eyes 
With shoutings hail the capstone rise,— 

So, on our Synod, good and blest, 
Long may God's benediction rest, 
While gladdened eyes from many a home 
View rising wall and rounding dome. 

When all our work on earth is o'er, 
With faithful fathers, gone before, 
" Not unto us," may we exclaim, 
" But glory to Thy holy Name ! " 



~#~" 



"Ibitberto batb tbe XorD belpefc us."— i Samuel vii. 12. 
**XLbc Xorfc Dotb builfc up Jerusalem."— Psalm cxlvii. 2. 



-*~ 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 



BY REV. PROF. CHARLES A. HAY, D. D. 



At the meeting of the East Pennsylvania Synod held in 1891 
at Middletown, Pa., the President, Rev. W. H. Dunbar, in his official 
report, called attention to the fact that we were on the eve of the 
semi-centennial year of our existence as a Synod, and suggested 
that " it might be a matter of wisdom, as well as of interest, to 
take some steps looking to a permanent record of events in the 
history of our Synod and its congregations." He also suggested 
to Synod " the propriety of the appointment of a Synodical His- 
torian for this purpose." 

The Synod subsequently approved of this suggestion and re- 
solved to celebrate the semi-centennial anniversary at the next 
meeting of Synod and to appoint such a Historian, "who shall pre- 
pare a history of the Synod, and so far as possible brief histories 
of its congregations, the history of Synod to be read at the semi- 
centennial anniversary, and all this historical matter to be after- 
wards published and then preserved in the archives of Synod." 

Having been appointed by the Synod as its Historian, I have 
carefully examined the published minutes of its proceedings, and 
other accessible publications throwing light upon its history, and 
herewith present a brief sketch of its origin and of some of the 
features of its subsequent development and efficiency. 

At the meeting of the Pennsylvania Ministerium held in Lan- 
caster, May 22 to 26. 1842, a memorial was presented by a 
number of ministers and laymen, members of the Synod, who 

(i5) 



1 6 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

had on the day before held a meeting and discussed the propriety 
" of forming a new Synod in the Eastern district of Pennsylva- 
nia." This memorial reads as follows : 

"To the Reverend Synod of Pennsylvania, &c, 

Dear Brethren : — We, the undersigned, members of Pennsyl- 
vania Synod, and brethren within its bounds, respectfully present 
the following memorial : 

i. We earnestly ask you forthwith to take measures for the 
amicable division of the Pennsylvania Synod. Our reasons for 
this are the following : 

(a) Harmony of views and feelings is essential to the success 
of all associations, but especially of all Christian associations, in 
which that spirit of love which is the very life of religion must 
necessarily suffer if this be wanting. But this harmony has long 
been wanting among us, and the occurrences of every year seem 
to make the prospect of its restoration still worse. We believe 
that a separation of the conflicting elements among us would, by 
preventing collision, remove the evil. One cause of this may 
have been the next reason which we would urge as a ground of 
division, viz. : 

(o) The largeness of our present synodical body. It is natural 
that a diversity of sentiment should prevail where so many men, 
differently educated, are brought into 30 close connection with 
each other. In addition to this, many of our smaller pastoral 
districts, and all of our country congregations, are deprived of the 
pleasure and profit of synodical meetings, by their being unable 
to entertain so many members as our Synod contains. 

(c) Difference of language is another difficulty that now clogs 
our synodical proceedings. Many of our churches are unable to 
participate in our meetings, from their ignorance of the language 
in which our deliberations are conducted. Synod having declared 
its determination to abide by the use of one language, there seems 
an obvious call for the organization of a body that will admit the 
indiscriminate use of the German and English. 

(d) A difference of views in regard to the General Synod and 
its institutions is another cause of difficulty for which this would 
be a remedy. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. I 7 

(<f) The new or revised constitution threatens to exclude a 
number of us, and to prevent others from entering the Synod, who 
can never pledge ourselves to some of its principles by subscrib- 
ing it in the manner which it requires. 

It is not necessary that we should go into detailed argument 
upon the various points to which we object, but we may simply 
state, that we are unwilling to subscribe any such system of church 
government. We cannot bind ourselves to the constant use of 
any liturgy, and especially of one which we have never seen, or 
had sufficient opportunity to examine ; and, finally, we cannot 
submit to the distinctions made between our American and For- 
eign ministers and institutions, in favor of the latter. 

2. We ask that this division be made upon the principles of 
Christian freedom, and that each minister and church of the 
Pennsylvania Synod be left at perfect liberty to select the synodi- 
cal body with which they will associate themselves. 

3. Whilst we claim a fair proportion of all the funds and lega- 
cies belonging to Synod, we desire also to co-operate in the For- 
eign Mission established by Synod. 

4. We desire to establish the most fraternal relations, and 
maintain mutual good will between the two bodies thus created. 
And we pray that the blessing of the Great Head of the Church 
may rest upon us all, and prosper all our plans for the advance- 
ment of his cause and glory. 

All which is respectfully submitted, with a request for immedi- 
ate action, by your brethren in Christ. 

F. RUTHRAUFF, 
J. RUTHRAUFF, 
W. M. REYNOLDS, 
S. D. FlNCKEL, 

G. Heilig, 

F. R. Anspach, 
T. Stork, 

D. KOHLER, 

J. WlLLOX, 

J. VOGELBACH, 

J. L. Frederick, 

G. Hartman, 
— Haudon. 



1 8 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

The minutes of that meeting of the Pennsylvania Synod state 
that "The committee on the memorial reported that it was not 
expedient to divide the Synod, and that the memorialists be re- 
quested to consider more maturely the subject of separation and 
be entreated to remain in connection with the Pennsylvania 
Synod. ' After an animated discussion of this report, in which 
many of the brethren participated, the Synod finally .resolved that 
we can in no wise consent to a division of this body ; but, should 
any brethren consider it desirable to separate from us, an honor- 
able dismission shall be given them as individuals, if they so re- 
quest." 

From the published minutes of the East Pennsylvania Synod we 
learn that "The memorialists, being unsuccessful in their efforts 
to secure an amicable division of the Synod, then withdrew to the 
Lutheran lecture-room. The following brethren were present : 
Rev. Messrs. F. Ruthrauff, J. Ruthrauff, W. M. Reynolds, G. 
Heilig, F. R. Anspach, J. Willox, T. Stork, J. Vogelbach, W. 
Laitzle and the lay delegates, J. L. Frederick and G. Hartman. 
Rev. F. Ruthrauff was appointed Chairman and T. Stork Secre- 
tary. Opened with prayer by the Chairman. On motion 

Resolved, That we organize ourselves into a Synod, to be called 
The Evangelical Lutheran Sy?iod of East Pennsylvania; and 
adopt for the present the constitution of the General Synod, with 
such alterations as may from time to time be necessary." 

Another meeting was held on the following day, when " the 
members spent some time in familiar colloquy upon the subject 
of new measures. After a free and full interchange of sentiment, 
in which there seemed to be essential unanimity, it was deemed 
advisable that public expression should be given to the views 
entertained by this Synod, in order to define our position on a 
subject so liable to misconstruction. It was, therefore, on motion 
of T. Stork, 

Resolved, That, whilst we disapprove of all disorderly and 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 1 9 

fanatical proceedings in religious worship, and in protracted 
efforts for the salvation of souls, we cordially commend the most 
decisive and energetic measures for the conversion of sinners and 
edification of the Church, adhering strictly to the admonition of 
the apostle, that 'all things be done decently and in order.' " 

The first regular meeting of the Synod was held in St. Peter's 
church, Chester county, where it assembled on the 15th of Sep- 
tember, 1842. At this meeting the Synod numbered twelve pas- 
tors, with twenty-four congregations ; it resolved to connect itself 
with the General Synod ; adopted the Liturgy then published by 
the Pennsylvania Synod ; approved a proposed device for a syn- 
odical seal, viz., an eye fixed upon an open Bible, surrounded by 
the words, "The Bible our Creed — God our Judge" and it ap- 
pointed a delegate to represent it at the next meeting of the 
Pennsylvania Synod. 

The second annual meeting was held in St. Matthew's church, 
Philadelphia, October 21, 1843, when, at the calling of the roll, 
every member was present, numbering eighteen ministers after 
admitting Rev. Messrs. J. P. Schindel, G. Diehl, D. F. Finckel, 
Daniel Miller, John McCron and Eli Swartz. Fourteen lay dele- 
gates were present. Delegates were received from several synods 
connected with the General Synod, viz., Hartwick, Maryland and 
West Pennsylvania. 



Among the topics of special interest to a student of the history 
of our Synod is, first of all, its Relation to the German Minister- 
ium of Pennsylvania and Adjacent States and Territories, now 
commonly known as the Pennsylvania Synod. This Synod origi- 
nated, as has been already shown, in the secession from the 
Pennsylvania Synod by a few of the regular members of that 
body, for reasons assigned in the memorial already cited, and it 
gave practical proof of its desire to maintain friendly relations 



20 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

with the Pennsylvania Synod by sending to it in 1843 as an ac " 
credited delegate one of its most active members, the Rev. The- 
ophilus Stork. At the next meeting of this Synod Rev. Stork 
reported as follows : " In obedience to appointment I attended 
the last meeting of the Pennsylvania Synod, held in St. Paul's 
church, Philadelphia, as the delegate of this body. The appoint- 
ment of a delegate at this time was not simply a matter of eccle- 
siastical courtesy, but was designed, if possible, to conciliate the 
adverse elements of the two Synods, and establish fraternal rela- 
tions. We felt that, both bodies being professedly Lutheran, and 
occupying a field embracing essentially the same geographical 
limits, it was exceedingly desirable that we should maintain 
towards each other the most amicable relations, believing that, 
notwithstanding our differences of opinion on some points, we 
might still as Christians, under the harmonizing influence of love, 
live together as brethren, " as fellow-citizens with the saints, and 
of the household of God." 

"With such views and feelings I was little prepared even to 
apprehend the actual result of my mission." 

" The first session of Synod was opened on Monday morning, 
the 12th of June. When the delegates from other Synods were 
called upon to present their credentials, I arose and stated that I 
had been appointed a delegate from the East Pennsylvania Synod 
to the Pennsylvania Synod, and laid a certificate from the Presi- 
dent attesting my commission, together with the printed minutes, 
upon the table. Dr. Miller, from Reading, immediately arose, 
and, after some preliminary remarks explanatory of the ground 
he was about to assume, offered the following resolution, which, 
after some discussion, was adopted : 

" i Resolved, That we cannot recognize brother Stork as a dele- 
gate, nor that body as a Synod, until it formally recall by a reso- 
lution the accusations made against this body.' 

"I was so taken by surprise that, in the excitement of the 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 21 

moment, I did not realize the position in which we were placed, 
and said nothing. After returning home and reflecting on the 
transactions of the morning, I felt dissatisfied under a conviction 
that I had not discharged my duty as the representative 
of the East Pennsylvania Synod. I, therefore, returned in the 
afternoon session, and obtained permission to address the Synod. 
I assured them that we desired to maintain the most friendly 
relations and correspondence with them. And I further assured 
them that, if we had injured them by unjust charges, we were 
ready to ma^ce any reasonable concession, and to recant every 
charge not founded in fact ; and finally, I begged them to specify 
the charges by which they felt themselves so aggrieved as to 
exclude us from their fraternal regard. I asked this, that the 
Church might understand the real position of the two Synods, 
and that our body might be prepared for intelligent action at its 
next session. 

" After an animated discussion they passed the following reso- 
lution in answer to my inquiry : 

"'Resolved, That the accusations of the Synod of East Pennsyl- 
vania are contained in that circular, and in all their after pro- 
ceedings harmonizing therewith.' * * * etc." 

The Synod of East Pennsylvania expressed its entire satisfac- 
tion with the course pursued by its delegate, and, on motion ot 
Prof. Reynolds, it was 

"Resolved, That we have heard with regret our delegate's 
statement of the failure of his mission to the Pennsylvania Synod ; 
and that. we are still desirous of establishing friendly relations 
with that body. In reply to the resolutions passed by them rela- 
tive to our body, we can merely say, that they suggest no means 
of removing the difficulties existing between us, as we are not 
aware that we have, in any of our proceedings, said or sanctioned 
anything that can be considered unchristian or unjust to the 
Pennsylvania Synod. As soon, however, as aught that might be 
so construed is pointed out to us, we shall be ready to recall the 



2 2 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

offensive word or act, whichever it may be, so far as in our power ; 
or to give such explanations as comport with truth and propriety. 
Meanwhile any further overtures for friendly correspondence will 
naturally come from the Pennsylvania Synod — though in the 
meantime we shall endeavor to 'keep the unity of the Spirit in 
the bond of peace.'" 

For several years after this the proceedings of the Synod of 
East Pennsylvania were not printed in pamphlet form, and the 
official protocol of the meetings in 1844, '45 and '46, we regret 
to say, cannot now be found ; but from an abstract of the minutes 
of 1845 (when the Synod met in Lebanon), published by the 
Secretary in the Lutheran Observer, we learn that in that year 
Rev. Mr. Ernst, of the Pennsylvania Synod, was received as an 
advisory member by our Synod, in proof of the friendly feeling 
on the part of this Synod towards the Pennsylvania Ministerium. 

In 1847, a ^ so ? at tn e session in Germantown, Rev. S. K. Probst, 
of the Pennsylvania Synod, was introduced and received as an 
advisory member. 

In 1849, when at Reading, the East Pennsylvania Synod 

" Resolved, That we sincerely rejoice in the approximation to a 
more perfect union of the Church, manifested in the action of 
the Pennsylvania Synod relative to a professorship in our Theo- 
logical Seminary at Gettysburg; and that we most cordially ap- 
prove of the action of the Board of Directors in the election of 
Rev. C. R. Demme, D. D., in accordance with the desire of the 
Pennsylvania Synod, and that we should be highly gratified with 
his acceptance of the same." 

At the session of the East Pennsylvania Synod in i8jo, at 
Easton, four members of the Pennsylvania Synod (C. W. Schaeffer, 
Jeremiah Schindel, J. W. Richards and C. A. Hay), anxious to bring 
about, if possible, a better state of feeling between the two bodies, 
presented a memorial on that subject, which was referred to a 
large committee, who reported unanimously as follows : 

"The committee to whom was referred a memorial from four 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 23 

members of the Synod of Pennsylvania, on the subject of the es- 
trangement between that body and ourselves, beg leave to report : 

"That they examined the various documents put into their 
hands bearing on this subject. Your committee rejoice at the 
prospect of establishing more friendly relations with the Synod of 
Pennsylvania ; and whereas, those four brethren in their memorial 
inform us that the Synod of Pennsylvania holds this body respon- 
sible for a certain anonymous circular, containing charges against 
the Synod of Pennsylvania, so understood by that body, viz. : with 
a design on the part of said Synod to introduce into their connec- 
tion, by a constitutional partiality, ministers from Germany who 
are rationalistic, unevangelical or infidel in their sentiments, and 
immoral in their conduct, and to do injustice to brethren born 
and educated in this country ; and whereas, we desire to do jus- 
tice to ourselves and to the Synod of Pennsylvania, therefore : 

" Resolved, That we deeply regret the estrangement that has so 
long separated us from the brethren of the Synod of Pennsylvania. 

" Resolved, That we earnestly desire a more fraternal connection 
with that body, and would rejoice to open a correspondence with 
them. 

" Resolved, That we never did hold ourselves responsible for 
the ' circular ' to which there is reference in a resolution of the 
Pennsylvania Synod held in Philadelphia in 1843, an d in the me- 
morial of those four members addressed to us ; and we do not now 
acknowledge that document as an expression of our sentiments, 
but, on the contrary, most heartily disavow the offensive senti- 
ments of the ' Circular ' pointed out in the memorial of the four 
brethren, and regret any action that may have arisen from mis- 
conception." 

" Respectfully submitted, G. Diehl, 

F. RUTHRAUFF, 

J. McCron, 
R. Weiser, 
J. A. Brown, 

J. WlNECOFF, 

T. Stork, 

A. WlETING." 

After an animated discussion, the report was unanimously 



24 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

adopted. The Synod thereupon appointed the Rev. Messrs. 71 
Stork, F. Ruthrauff and G. Diehl to meet the Synod of Pennsyl- 
vania at its next convention, in Allentown, to establish friendly 
relations and to open a correspondence with that body. At that 
meeting of the Pennsylvania Synod that committee was most 
kindly received, and the Pennsylvania Synod unanimously 
adopted the following resolutions : 

"i. That this Synod cordially responds to the sentiments on 
the subject of Christian fellowship expressed by the brethren of 
the East Pennsylvania Synod. 

" 2. That we fraternally recognize them as a Synod of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church, and cordially receive their repre- 
sentatives in our midst. 

"3. That Synod, from this time forth, appoint a delegate to 
represent this body in the Synod of East Pennsylvania upon the 
same terms as we are represented in the sister Synods generally." 

The East Pennsylvania Synod, when the above-named com- 
mittee (Stork, Ruthrauff and Diehl) had reported at Danville in 

1851, 

u Resolved, That we have heard, with the greatest pleasure, 
from the Committee appointed by Synod to represent this body 
before the Pennsylvania Synod, of their cordial reception and 
successful mission ; and that we most fondly hope, earnestly de- 
sire and fervently pray that the fraternal relations thus established 
may be perpetuated." 

"At this meeting Rev. W. J. Eyer appeared as the delegate from 
the Synod of Pennsylvania, with assurances of the fraternal feel- 
ings and good wishes of the body he had the honor to represent. 
He met with a hearty welcome and was invited to take his seat 
among us." 

At the meeting of the East Pennsylvania Synod in 1852 the 
committee entrusted with the minutes of the Pennsylvania Synod 
of the same year report as follows : 

" Your Committee rejoice that this Synod have passed a series 
of resolutions indicative of a speedy re-union of that body with 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 25 

the General Synod. To these resolutions we are led, say they, 
through the conviction that we all agree in the essential, funda- 
mental doctrines of our beloved Mother Church, and that we are 
therefore prepared for an outward union, from which we can ex- 
pect a rich blessing." 

Having thus accomplished the long-desired reconciliation 
between these Synods, occupying the territory between the Dela- 
ware and Susquehanna rivers, those members of the old Penn- 
sylvania Synod who were yearning for its return to the General 
Synod now bent their energies in this direction, and their efforts 
were crowned with success in the spring of 1853, when, at its 
meeting of that year in Reading, it determined to re-unite with 
the General Synod, which it had helped to organize in 1820, and 
from which it had been so long separated. 

This having now been accomplished, and these two Synods 
being now harmoniously associated in the same' general body, 
there seemed tu be no good reason why they should not actually 
coalesce, instead of separately spreading over this mesopotamian 
territory, and, after thus combining all their parishes, peaceably 
divide the territory between them. Accordingly, a proposition 
of that kind was made to the Synod of East Pennsylvania, at 
the meeting in 1853, by a member of the Pennsylvania Synod, 
w T hich was placed in the hands of a committee, whose report, 
after considerable discussion, and after the offering of various 
amendments, which were rejected, was adopted in its original 
form as follows : 

"The committee on Document 13 would respectfully report, 
that said document is a communication from Rev. Charles Hay, 
suggesting to this Synod the desirableness of taking some initi- 
atory steps towards securing a geographical division of the two 
Synods (Pennsylvania Synod and East Pennsylvania Synod) oc- 
cupying principally the same ground. In reference to this paper, 
your Committee would say : 

" 1. That they are not able to understand the geographical 



26 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

chart of Brother Hay, which he has submitted to our inspection, 
and consequently they are not prepared to pronounce upon its 
practicability. 

"2. Your Committee are of opinion, without any reference to 
the specific form of division suggested in this paper, that such a 
geographical division is wholly unfeasible. 

" 3. Besides, we can see no valid reason for such a division. 
We should rather seek a still greater assimilation of spirit, ' en- 
deavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,' 
realizing ' how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to 
dwell together in unity.' " 

" 4. As this communication is not official, we do not know 
that it demands any further attention. 

T. Stork, 
J. Winecoff, 
D. Steck." 

Notwithstanding this rebuff, the agitation of this subject in 
both these Synods was not allowed to subside, but both were 
prevailed upon to appoint committees instructed to give the 
matter a careful investigation. 

These committees met in Philadelphia (at Lindsay & Blaki- 
ston's Book Store), in 1855, agreeing heartily to endorse the pro- 
posed plan of fusion and subsequent geographical division. The 
Chairman of the joint committee, Rev. Benjamin Keller, accord- 
ingly presented our report to the Pennsylvania Synod in Lancaster 
in 1856, recommending a special meeting of the East Pennsyl- 
vania Synod in Philadelphia in 1857, when the Pennsylvania Synod 
should be in session there, and the holding of a joint meeting of 
both Synods at that time in order to discuss the question of union 
and subsequent division into two or three Synods. To the sur- 
prise and mortification of many who were present (members of 
other Synods connected with the General Synod), decided opposi- 
tion to this report was made by some of the most influential 
members of the Synod of Pennsylvania. Dr. Demme remarked : 
" Ich bin dagegen ; der Geist in der Ost-Pennsylvanischen Synode 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 27 

ist ein anderer !" Dr. Mann remarked : " Ich bin auch dagegen ; 
der Apfel ist noch nicht reif : sonst fillt er von selbst vom 
Baume." Mr. Yeager, of Hamburg, Pa., vehemently asserted : 
"Ich bin auch dagegen; dann wird alles Englisch !" Then Dr. 
C. W. SchaefTer expressed his regret that such a spirit was mani- 
fested, but he said it was evident that it would be unwise to press 
the matter now, as the Synod was not yet prepared to take defi- 
nite action in regard to it. It was on his motion that the Synod 
resolved : " That we are not yet prepared to take definite action 
in this matter." 

The reports of the Presidents of both these Synods about this 
time called attention to unpleasant inter- synodical disagreements 
and interferences on the part of the pastors and congregations, 
and a joint committeee was appointed by both the Synods " to 
draft such rules in reference to congregational action as may 
secure fraternal love and harmony." In the minutes of the East 
Pennsylvania Synod of 1857, we read that "The two committees 
met and, after a very full and friendly interchange of opinions, 
concluded that no such rules as would effectually remedy existing 
evils could be drafted, and that some degree of confusion, with 
occasional unpleasant influences or collisions, is unavoidable, so 
long as the two Synods continue to occupy in common the same 
ground." Whereupon the committee submitted the following 
proposition : 

" Resolved, That a committee of — ministers and laymen be 
appointed by this Synod, to confer with a like one from the 
Synod of Pennsylvania, on the union of the two Synods, and such 
a geographical division of the field as may secure the object 
aimed at and the best interests of the Church." 

" After much discussion, a motion was made to amend the res- 
olution by deferring action in the matter till next year, which 
amendment was adopted by the following vote : Yeas, 26 ; nays, 
14." 



28 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

At a subsequent stage of the proceedings it was 

"Resolved, That in our action upon the above report we have 
by no means desired to convey to our brethren of the Synod of 
Pennsylvania, the impression that we disapprove of the end con- 
templated in the report, but simply to avoid the appearance of 
importunately pressing the matter upon their attention ; and we 
hereby pledge ourselves cordially to respond to any intimation on 
their part of a readiness to enter into preliminary arrangements 
for effecting so desirable a result. This was adopted by a unani- 
mous vote." 

In our synodical minutes of 1858 we find a committee report- 
ing upon the minutes of the Pennsylvania Synod of the same year 
as follows : 

" In these minutes cognizance is taken of the unfortunate 
interferences which, owing in part to the fact that both 
Synods occupy substantially the same territory, have too often 
occurred between some of the members of both bodies. This is 
an evil of long and loud complaint on both sides, and one which, 
with the best intentions and the most generous as well as most 
vigorous efforts, has not been entirely removed. 

"The action of the Pennsylvania Synod on this subject is very 
decided, not only rebuking any of its members guilty of violating 
its ' Ministerial Ordnung ' in this particular, but declaring also to 
strike their names from their ministerial roll. This action, how- 
ever, is made dependent on a full concurrence of like action by 
our Synod. 

"Your Committee is not prepared, ex animo et ex corde, to 
recommend to this Synod the unqualified endorsement of this 
principle. The main idea is certainly commendable, and meets 
our hearty approval, and should be sought by every member of 
this body religiously to be carried out. Yet there are conceivable 
circumstances, the like of which have not unfrequently occurred 
in the past history of this Synod, where, prompted by love of the 
Church, as well as a regard for the welfare and retention of her 
membership, there may be more virtue in the breach than in the 
observance of this principle. It is particularly charged upon our 
delegate to the Synod o/upj nsylvania to explain to them more 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 29 

fully our understanding of this action. [Signed, A. C. Wedekind, 
John R. Willox and Joseph Stulb.]" 

The report was amended and adopted as above. 

In the minutes of our Synod of 1859 we find the report of the 
Joint Committee of Conference on Inter-Synodical Relations, as 
follows : 

"Resolved, 1. As a general rule, we adopt the principle of non- 
intervention in the charges belonging to our respective Synods. 

"2. In cases of difficulty and dissatisfaction arising in any 
charge, it will be the duty of said charge, or part of a charge, first 
to bring the difficulty, cause of complaint, etc., before the Con- 
ference or Syuod to which it belongs, and if the difficulty be not 
adjusted to the satisfaction of those complaining, and it have its 
origin in consequence of inter-synodical relations, that then the 
President of each of the Synods appoint a committee of three to 
confer together in reference to the matter, and they be in- 
structed to pursue such a course in its adjustment as they con- 
scientiously believe will promote the best interests of the Church. 

"3. That similar committees shall be appointed in cases where 
charges are to be formed from congregations belonging to both 
Synods. 

" 4. That the action of these joint committees be submitted to 
each Synod for concurrence and confirmation. [Signed, S. K. 
Probst, C. J. Ehrehart, G. J. Martz, E. S. Henry and E. W. 
Hutter.]" 

Item 1 was adopted. 

Items 2, 3 and 4 were stricktn out, and the following was 
passe 1 : 

"Resolved, That under existing circumstances, we believe it to 
be impossible to devise any system of rules that will be adequate 
to meet the exceptional cases referred to in the above report." 

In 1861 the committee of the East Pennsylvania Synod on the 
minutes of the Pennsylvania Synod calls attention to " the very 
kind and Christian spirit of the paragraph having reference to the 
efforts of this Synod (1. e. the Synod of Pennsylvania), in healing 
the differences between the two bodies." 



30 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

In 1862 the President of the East Pennsylvania Synod, Rev. 
Dr. Seiss (who subsequently joined the Pennsylvania Synod), 
stated in his official report : " It was the remark of your retiring 
President [C. A. Hay] last year, that the principal part of his 
official correspondence had been of an unpleasant character, 
originating in the rivalry of contending factions in some of our 
churches, and m some of those in the Synod of Pennsylvania. I 
regret equally with him that my own experience in this respect 
corresponds, to a large extent, to his, and from the same causes." 
After describing some of these inter- synodical difficulties, he adds : 
" From this the Synod will learn how unfortunate the relations 
are between these two bodies. And the ever- recurring annoy- 
ances of this kind which the Synod and its presiding officers are 
compelled to endure from year to year, to say nothing of the 
wrongs and mischiefs involved, ought by this time to satisfy all 
that the period has come when decisive measures should be 
taken to bring them to an end. The Synod of Pennsylvania is 
evidently willing and anxious to come to some understanding on 
the subject, and to adopt any reasonable and feasible arrange- 
ments for this purpose to which we may agree, having herself 
several times moved in the matter, and also recently made certain 
acknowledgments and retractions which ought to go far to per- 
suade us to meet them in a fraternal and conciliatory spirit." He 
proposed " the creation of a Board or Committee of Reference 
or Arbitration, with full powers, etc. * * and that every brother 
found guilty of improper interference, who will not promptly sub- 
mit to the decision of this Committee or Board, be at once sus- 
pended from exercising the functions of his ministry." 

The committee to whom this report was referred (of which the 
Rev. Dr. Greenwald was Chairman), approved of the plan re- 
commended by the President, but adds: "We are persuaded, 
however, that there is a better way, to which the Synods must 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 31 

come at last. We therefore propose, and earnestly recommend, 
that the two Synods existing on the same territory should unite, 
and then divide the territory into two or more Synods, having 
distinct geographical boundaries." Dr. Greenwald had been 
our delegate to the Pennsylvania Synod that year, and in his 
report said, among other things : "The existence of two Synods 
on the same territory is contrary to the rule of the General 
Synod. * * The existence of the East Pennsylvania Synod 
has been a blessing to the Church in eastern Pennsylvania, and 
the Head of the Church has given it great prosperity. Many of 
the large and influential English churches in our cities and large 
towns, and elsewhere, would perhaps not exist if the East Pennsyl- 
vania Synod had not been organized ; and perhaps no other form 
was possible at the time than that which it has. Still it is true, that 
before its organization there was but one Synod on the territory, 
and that there are now two is owing to its subsequent organiza- 
tion. Our Synod ought to make the first advance toward a 
change. As the irregular synodical relations originated with us, 
we ought to inaugurate measures that may bring order out of the 
present disorder. * * The reaso?is for the existence of an 
English Synod on the territory of the German Synod no longer 
exist. The importance of giving greater encouragement and 
more extensive development to the English interests of the 
church in eastern Pennsylvania, was the principal motive that led 
to the organization of the East Pennsylvania Synod. At that 
time the Pennsylvania Synod was exclusively a German bcdy, 
etc. * * So long as the two Synods exist on the same terri- 
tory, there will be unhappy collisions. Constituted as human 
nature is, these are unavoidable. * * There is a feasible 
remedy. * * There are in our Synodical territory the most 
distinct and natural boundaries for the formation of two or more 
Synods, etc." 



^2 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

After much discussion, on motion of Rev. L. E. Albert, it was 

" Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by this 
Synod, to meet a similar committee from the Synod of Pennsyl- 
vania, to whom shall be entrusted for final settlement the matters 
under dispute between the two Synods ; and that this committee 
be also a committee of conference, to take into consideration the 
union of these Synods, and report at the next meeting of our 
Synod." 

From the minutes of 1863 we learn that the committees of the 
two Synods met in Reading in January of that year, failing, in- 
deed, to adjust the inter- synodical difficulties entrusted to them, 
but finding far less diversity of opinion than had been supposed 
to exist in regard to the " far more important question committed 
to their consideration." Concerning this the following resolu- 
tions were adopted : 

" 1. Resolved, That in the judgment of this joint committee the 
union of the Synod of Pennsylvania and the Synod of East Penn- 
sylvania, at the earliest period deemed practicable by the two 
Synods, is in the highest degree advisable. 

"2. Resolved, That we request both Synods, at their next ses- 
sions, to take into consideration whether such union cannot be 
consummated at once. 

" 3. Resolved, That, whilst we do not venture to recommend 
any specific plan for such union, we would submit for the exam- 
ination of the Synods the following papers presented at the meet- 
ing of this conference, viz. : Plan submitted by Rev. E. Green- 
wald, D. D., of the Synod of East Pennsylvania, and the Plan 
submitted by Rev. G. F. Krotel, of the Pennsylvania Synod." 

The former of these proposed the formation of two Synods, 
separated by the Schuylkill river, the eastern one to retain the 
old name and the western one to have the name of the East 
Pennsylvania Synod. The other plan proposed a complete and 
permanent fusion of the two Synods, to bear the name of " The 
United Synod of the German Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium 
of Pennsylvania and of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of East 
Pennsylvania." 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 33 

The Pennsylvania Synod, at its meeting in June, 1863, fully 
discussed this subject and adopted the following resolutions : 

" Whereas, The various embarrassments arising from the occu- 
pation of one and the same territory by the Synod of East Penn- 
sylvania and our Synod are more and more felt ; and 

" Whereas, We all, as Christians, church-members and ministers, 
acknowledge the duty of promoting peace and good-will among 
all men, especially among members of the same household of 
faith ; therefore, 

"1. Resolved, That in the opinion of this Synod a union be- 
tween the Synod of East Pennsylvania and our Synod is eminently 
desirable. 

"2. Resolved, That we, on our part, adopt the following posi- 
tions as the basis upon which any plan of union that might be 
presented must be constructed : 

{a) The position taken by our Synod, and officially expressed 
in the Order of Ordination, and in the Constitution for Congrega- 
tions, recommended by the Synod, with regard to the doctrines 
and usages of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, shall remain un- 
disturbed. 

(b) The full and equal rights due and secured to the two 
languages used by ministers and people in Eastern Pennsylvania 
shall not be interfered with. 

(c) The liberal and tolerant construction and application of 
the aforesaid principles, which have hitherto characterized the 
mutual intercourse of the members of this body, shall be strictly 
maintained. 

(d) The legal obligations and chartered rights of this Synod, 
and of the congregations connected with it, shall not be in any 
wise affected or restricted, unless with the full consent of all the 
parties concerned. 

(e) The name of this Synod shall not be sunk in any designa- 
tion by which any proposed union of the two Synods shall be 
known. 

"3. Resolved, That these resolutions be respectfully laid before 
the Synod of East Pennsylvania, at its next meeting, by our dele- 
gates to that body." 
3 



34 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

In 1863 our President reports on this subject: "This joint 
committee assembled in Rev. Keller's church in Reading * * 
but left the inter-synodical difficulties where it found them. * * 
The Synod of Pennsylvania has had this very question under 
serious, protracted and earnest discussion, etc. It behooves this 
body to meet the action of the Pennsylvania Synod in the same 
candid, frank and fraternal spirit that characterized theirs. The 
olive-branch is sincerely offered ; shall it be as sincerely ac- 
cepted?" Our delegate to the Synod of Pennsylvania (Rev. Dr. 
Valentine) reported that when this subject was under discussion 
at the Pennsylvania Synod he had felt it his duty to express to 
the Synod of Pennsylvania the opinion that it was the desire of 
this body to unite with that on terms including an immediate 
division of the territory into two Synods with geographical bound- 
aries, but that a simple fusion into one Synod would be of doubt- 
ful acceptableness, etc. And our committee of conference, in 
their report in 1863, recommend the following resolutions for 
adoption by the Synod : 

"1. Resolved, That in our inmost hearts we reciprocate the 
feeling of fraternal love, and the desire for closer unity and more 
amicable co-operation involved in the action of the venerable 
mother Synod, and that in the opinion of this Synod a union of 
these two Synods, by a fusion into one, or on the basis of a geo- 
graphical arrangement, is eminently desirable. 

" 2 . Resolved, That in the opinion of this Synod the best way 
to accomplish this eminently desirable result would be for the 
two Synods to meet in convention for the purpose of fraternal 
consultation and for final action, should they see fit, at a time and 
place fixed by a joint committee appointed by the officers of both 
Synods. 

"3. Resolved, That in such joint convention, at the call of any 
three members of either Synod, any resolution shall require for 
its adoption a majority of each Synod. 

"4. Resolved, That we heartily accede to the positions laid 
down by the Pennsylvania Synod, under the twenty-second reso- 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 35 

lution of their last session, and that we, on our part, adopt the 
following positions, as the basis upon which any plan of union 
that may be presented must be constructed." 

[Reiteration of the Pennsylvania Synod's resolutions, etc. (see 
page 33) under a, b, c, d, e.~\ "The name of this Synod shall 
not be sunk in the issue of this effort to reorganize the Lutheran 
elements upon the territory of East Pennsylvania." 

"5. Resolved, That whilst the recent action of the Synod of 
Pennsylvania seems to indicate a preference for an actual union 
of both Synods, and whilst we decidedly prefer a geographical 
division of the territory now jointly occupied by them, we think 
it nevertheless more prudent that neither Synod should in advance 
insist upon its preferences in this respect, but that both should 
enter the proposed convention prepared to adopt and carry out 
any arrangement that the united wisdom of the ministers and lay 
delegates there assembled may determine upon. 

" 6. Resolved, That a committee of three clergymen and three 
laymen be appointed at the present meeting of this Synod, to act 
in conjunction with a similar committee which we ardently hope 
our mother Synod will appoint, to make all necessary prepara- 
tions for such a joint convention, and to announce the time and 
place of meeting. [Signed, C. P. Krauth, C. A. Hay, G. Parson, 
C. A. Kugler, J. G. L. Schindel.]" 

The Secretary adds : " Dr. Krauth, at his own request, was 
permitted to sign his name to the report, as thus amended." 

The minutes of the Pennsylvania Synod for 1864 contained 
the report of that Synod's part of the joint committee appointed 
to make the needful arrangements for a general convention of 
the two Synods to consider the subject of synodical union. It is 
as follows: "Your committee have the honor to report that 
they met in conference with the committee of the Synod of East 
Pennsylvania, Rev. Dr. Seiss serving as the Chairman, and gave 
their serious consideration to the subject laid before them, but 
they were unable to arrive at any satisfactory result, and ad- 
journed to meet again at the call of the Chairman. Respectfully 
submitted, by W. J. Mann, Chairman." 



36 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

The minutes state that " The above report was adopted, and 
the discussion of the subject continued until the hour for adjourn- 
ment arrived, when its further consideration was postponed until 
a later period during the meeting. Inasmuch as the Synod after- 
wards determined to hold a special meeting in July, it was con- 
cluded that this subject should be further considered at that 
time. The following preamble and resolutions were adopted at 
that special meeting in July, 1864 : 

" Whereas, The Synod of East Pennsylvania appointed a com- 
mittee to confer with a similar committee from this body, to con- 
sider the terms upon which a union of the two Synods, or a geo- 
graphical division of the territory occupied by them, could be 
effected; and 

" Whereas, The President of this body, prior to the last stated 
meeting of the Synod of Pennsylvania, appointed such a Com- 
mittee of Conference ; and 

" Whereas, These Committees, upon conferring together, found 
it impossible to accomplish anything further than to resolve, to 
postpone the further consideration of the matter until after the 
meeting of this Synod to be held in Pottstown ; and 

" Whereas, The pressure of business at Pottstown and at this 
special meeting has rendered a consideration of this momentous 
business out of the question ; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That this Synod has not changed its position in re- 
gard to this matter, and still, in good faith, presents the same 
terms of union." 

"Resolved, That we request the Joint Committee of Confer- 
ence to resume their deliberations as soon as possible." 

Then followed the retiring of the Pennsylvania Synod's dele- 
gates from the General Synod at York, and the President of the 
East Pennsylvania Synod (Dr. Fink), in his official report in 
1 864, remarks : " From the action of the Synod of Pennsylvania 
and Adjacent States on this subject, both at its regular and special 
meetings, as I learned it from observation and its published re- 
ports, I am inclined to think that further action on the part of 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 37 

this Synod, looking to a union of the two bodies, would be at 
once dishonorable and useless. The whole matter having been 
treated most cavalierly by the one party, I take the liberty most 
respectfully and earnestly to recommend to this body that the 
further consideration of the proposed union of the Synod of 
Pennsylvania and the Synod of East Pennsylvania be held in 
abeyance, until the older Synod, by its action, will make it 
possible for this Synod to further entertain the subject, and at 
the same time maintain its honor and self-respect." * * "Our 
relations to others who bear the same name, and occupy the same 
territory with ourselves, have always been peculiar, but never so 
very peculiar as now. Harmony and fellowship cannot subsist 
between two Synods, unless they treat each other with decent 
respect, argue their differences candidly and temperately, and 
pursue towards each other an open, fair and friendly line of con- 
duct. We have, especially of late years, manifested in every pos- 
sible way a spirit of conciliation, forbearance and concession, 
which has not always been met with the same spirit. We have 
sought peace, fellowship and union. In these we have not been 
successful to the full measure of our desire. Our duty to our- 
selves and to our Divine Master will permit us to yield no more, 
to concede no more, but peremptorily enjoins upon us to plant 
ourselves more firmly than ever upon the great principles and 
purposes which led to the formation of the Synod of East Penn- 
sylvania. Believing that the territory we occupy belongs of 
right to King Jesus, and that we have a well- authenticated com- 
mission to possess and cultivate it for him, we should enter upon 
our mission with new zeal and redoubled energy. No one can 
occupy a middle ground any longer ; he that is not for us is 
against us. Our Synod has a work to do.* May the Lord give 
her wisdom and strength to do it well, and then, and not until 
then, will the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eastern Pennsyl- 



3 8 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

vania become, what God designed her to be everywhere — a living 
power for good — a very ark of salvation for redeemed sinners !" 

In 1865 the Standing Committee of Conference reported that 
no communication had been received by them from the Synod of 
Pennsylvania, and "the Committee was hereupon discharged." 

In 1866 [after Fort Wayne !] a committee on the " Papers of 
the Pennsylvania Synod" reported as follows : 

" The Committee No. 2, to whom has been referred the 'Fra- 
ternal Address ' issued by a committee of the Synod of Pennsyl- 
vania, with accompanying letter of Rev, G. F. Krotel, D. D., as 
Chairman of that committee, submitting the Address to this body, 
respectfully report : 

" I. That the Address has been prepared and published in ac- 
cordance with a resolution of the Synod of Pennsylvania, adopted 
at Lancaster, after its secession from the General Synod, to in- 
vite 'All Evangelical Lutheran Synods, Ministers and Congrega- 
tions in the United States and Canadas, which confess the Unal- 
tered Augsburg Confession, to unite with them in a convention 
for the purpose of forming a Union of Lutheran Synods.' 

" II. That this Address, under the plea of love, peace, fraternity 
and unity, assails the General Synod, and passes it under utter con- 
demnation, as unworthy of confidence or support, and asks us to 
unite in their proposed effort to organize another General Union, 
to accomplish the objects which, it is alleged, the General Synod 
has failed to secure. 

"Your Committee propose the following as the judgment and 
testimony of this Synod in this matter : 

"Resolved, 1. That this Synod respectfully, but with emphasis, 
declines to take the desired, or any, part in the proposed move- 
ment, and solemnly declares that in its view and conviction, it is 
unjustifiable, schismatic, and fraught with sad consequences to 
the unity and welfare of our Lutheran Zion, and ought to be dis- 
countenanced by all who love its peace and desire its prosperity. 

"Resolved, 2. That we testify our undiminished confidence in 
the General Synod, and pledge, against all its opposess and de- 
famers, our continued endeavors to promote its influence and 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 39 

power, already realized as rich in blessings to our beloved 
Church. 

"Resolved, 3. That we appoint a committee of five, whose duty 
it shall be to act in conjunction with a committee already ap- 
pointed by the Synod of West Pennsylvania, to issue and circulate 
a Fraternal Appeal to the Church, in order to counteract the 
effort made to alienate the churches and synods of the General 
Synod from that body, and unite them in this intended new 
organization. 

"Resolved, 4. That we earnestly entreat the Synod of Pennsyl- 
vania to desist from the movement they propose in their Address, 
as replete with the most unhappy results of discord, strife and 
division to the Church, and injury to the cause of Christ. 

" M. Valentine, 
E. S. Johnston, 
A. R. Horne, 
J. F. McLain." 

Adopted. 

In 1867 the Pennsylvania Synod refused to receive our dele- 
gate to that body and sent to our Synod a communication on that 
subject. The Committee to whom this was referred reported that 
it was " a certified copy of the action taken by the German 
Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania, in refusing to 
receive the delegate to that body appointed by this Synod at its 
last session, and in refusing to ' continue cordial relations and 
brotherly communion ' with this Synod. 

" The grounds upon which the Ministerium bases this action 
are : First, — the opinion expressed by our Synod at its last meet- 
ing, in regard to the character and probable influence of the Ad- 
dress issued by said Ministerium, inviting ' All Evangelical Luth- 
eran Synods, Ministers and Congregations in the United States 
and Canadas, which confess the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, 
to unite with them in a convention for the purpose of forming a 
Union of Lutheran Synods,' and, Secondly, — The ' Fraternal Ap- 
peal ' issued conjointly by this Synod and that of West Pennsyl- 
vania, ' in order to counteract the effort made to alienate the 



40 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Churches and Synods of the General Synod from that body, and 
unite them in this new organization.' 

" The Ministerium, after rejecting our delegate and sundering 
the bonds of fraternal intercourse between itself and the Synods 
of West and East Pennsylvania, 'respectfully requests these 
Synods to review the principles of their action, so that it may be 
ascertained whether they may not be able in this emergency to 
pursue some course which, by the blessing of the Lord, may be in 
like manner just to us [the Ministerium] and honorable to them- 
selves.' 

" In reply to which the Committee propose the adoption of the 
following preamble and resolutions : 

" Whereas, We are thoroughly convinced that our judgment of 
the character and tendency of the aforesaid Address of the Min- 
isterium of Pennsylvania was correct at the time it was delivered ; 
and 

"Whereas, Subsequent events have furnished unmistak- 
able and lamentable evidence that those who issued it are fully 
resolved to run the plowshare of division and disorganization, if 
possible, through all our synods and congregations ; therefore, 

"Resolved, That we see no cause for modifying the judgment 
aforesaid, or for regretting the affectionate warning addressed by 
us to our churches ; further, 

"Resolved, That, as the Ministerium of Pennsylvania has seen 
fit to sunder the bonds of union between us, no just and honor- 
able course remains for us to pursue but to accept the issue thus 
forced upon us, and stand upon the defensive — maintaining a 
consistent adherence to the faith and principles we have long 
professed and practised, and praying that those who have as- 
sumed this hostile attitude may, sooner or later, acknowledge 
their error and approach us with such proofs of their sorrow for 
the harm they have done, that we may be able, consistently with 
self-respect and a due regard for ecclesiastical order, and for the 
real welfare of our beloved Zion, once more to extend to them 
the hand of synodical fellowship. S. Sentman, 

Charles A. Hay, 
Charles Kugler." 

Regretting that I could not with greater brevity present a suf- 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 4 I 

ficiently accurate account of the relations originally existing and 
subsequently developed between the Pennsylvania Synod and our 
own, I now hasten to make a very few statements concerning the 
attitude sustained by our Synod toward some of the leading issues 
that have interested our churches since our organization. 

SECESSION OF THE SUSQUEHANNA CONFERENCE. 

This Conference, composed of the ministers and churches in 
the northern part of the territory occupied by this Synod, was 
from the time of its organization distinguished for its zeal and 
active efficiency in all manner of church work. In 1867 it peti- 
tioned to be dismissed from our body for the purpose of organiz- 
ing an independent Synod in that part of the State. The Synod 
" affectionately, yet most earnestly, requested those brethren to 
withdraw their application for the present," but, as they urged 
their plea with increasing earnestness, the Synod reluctantly 
granted their request. In 18 71 the East Pennsylvania Synod 
" kindly and affectionately invited the Susquehanna Synod to re- 
turn to this body;" to which the Susquehanna brethren responded 
in 1872 : 

Resolved, That we reciprocate the regard of the Synod of East 
Pennsylvania, but do not think that the time has yet arrived 
when it would be advisable for us to seek a re-union with it." 

THE MINISTERIUM QUESTION. 

In 1870 the East Pennsylvania Synod appointed a committee 
to report a year later on the propriety of dispensing in future 
with all ministerial sessions, i. e., meetings composed of ministers 
alone, some of the clerical brethren holding the opinion that the 
lay representatives of the churches should be allowed to take 
part in all ecclesiastical business. This matter was subsequently 
referred to the General Synod, which, at its meeting in Baltimore 
in 1875, adopted a form of Constitution for District Synods, in 



42 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

which provision is made in Article VIII. for the holding of meet- 
ings by ministers alone, by such Synods as .may desire to con- 
tinue the custom long prevalent in our country ; but it specifies 
also in Article VIII., Section 14, that "in all cases where District 
Synods have not made provision for a Ministerium, all the powers 
and duties prescribed in this article shall devolve on the Syiiod." 

LICENSURE. 

This Synod has been much exercised on the subject of the 
induction of men into the holy office of the ministry. At its 
meeting in Hughesville, in 1856, it declined "to make any 
change in our method of inducting men into the ministerial 
office" ; i. <?., it determined to continue licensing them by a vote 
of the Ministerium to perform all ministerial acts. The Synod 
thus, at that time, still entrusted the ministers alone with the 
responsibility of deciding who should be admitted to the holy 
office ; that is, it regarded them as constituting a strictly self- 
perpetuating order of men. During the progress of the meeting 
at Lancaster, in 1892, however, at which time the above account 
of its past history was presented, the Synodical Constitution was 
carefully revised, and it was materially improved in this respect, 
by the adoption of the principle that the Synod is to decide upon 
the final ordination of applicants, thus entitling the lay element 
of the body to take part in deciding who shall become a minister. 

BENEFICIARY EDUCATION. 

The East Pennsylvania Synod has always taken a deep interest 
in this cause. It has aided several hundred young men in their 
preparation for the ministry. It had eighteen on its funds at the 
time of the withdrawal of the Susquehanna Conference, and it 
faithfully met its obligation to them, despite the loss of the sup- 
plies it had before received from the churches that had thus 
seceded. It expended during that year for this cause $3,625.29. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 43 

It is, of all the Synods, most punctual in the payment, at regu- 
lar intervals during the year, of its voluntarily assumed dues to 
the students. The young men gratefully appreciate this treat- 
ment on the part of the Synod, as it practically adds much to the 
value of what is advanced to them. They are in the habit of 
calling it the Banner Synod. 

pastors' fund. 
There is quite a history connected with the relation of our 
Synod to this department of church work. The Synod has always 
disapproved of the mutual-beneficial principle in the matter of 
relief for disabled or superannuated ministers, their widows and 
orphans ; and it has always acted on the principle that the duty 
of caring for such cases rested upon the whole Church and not 
upon the clergy alone. Accordingly, it has habitually appealed 
to the churches to contribute annually for this purpose ; and the 
biennial reports of the trustees of the General Synod's Pastors' 
Fund prove that this Synod has often given more for this purpose 
than all the other Synods combined. 

THE LUTHERAN PUBLICATION BOARD 

had its origin, practically, in this Synod. The original proposi- 
tion for the establishment of a Translation and Publication Soci- 
ety came from what was then the Susquehanna Conference, and 
the committee appointed by the Synod to report upon it, whilst 
regarding its immediate establishment as inexpedient and un- 
necessary, yet proposed the calling of a convention " to consider 
the propriety of establishing some organization by which the 
mind of the Church can be more especially awakened on this 
subject." Such a convention was held in Germantown in 1855, 
concerning which a committee consisting of Messrs. Hutter, Stork 
and Albert reported to our Synod at Lebanon in that year, that 
" it was attended by a number of clergymen and laymen belong- 



44 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

ing to this and other Synods ; that at this convention the initia- 
tory steps were taken for the organization of such a society, etc. ;" 
and the Synod 

"Resolved, That, regarding this Society as the offspring of this 
Synod, begun and prosecuted under its auspices, we cherish a 
parental interest in its welfare and success, and will rejoice in any 
evidence we may perceive of its advancement and growth to a 
more mature and vigorous degree of Christian usefulness." 

This institution, at first a beneficiary of the Church, barely kept 
alive by the contributions of our people, has steadily grown 
(under the gratuitous and skilful management of its wise directors 
and under its present energetic and efficient Superintendent, Henry 
S. Boner), until it has become a liberal contributor to all the 
leading benevolent operations of the Church. In its report to 
the last General Synod its financial strength is given as $100,000. 

EMMAUS AND TRESSLER ORPHANS' HOMES. 

In these institutions, also, the East Pennsylvania Synod has al- 
ways shown a deep interest. It acted in harmony with the Penn- 
sylvania Ministerium and the West Pennsylvania Synod many 
years ago in urging the trustees of the Fry Estate at Middletown 
to make a direct application of the revenues of that estate to the 
purposes intended by the founder of the Emmaus Orphans' Home, 
and it now has the satisfaction of beholding the salutary effects 
of its efforts in the enlarged and beneficent operations of that in- 
stitution. 

One of the oldest and still living ministers of Synod, Rev. P. 
Willard, through whose agency the Tressler property was pur- 
chased and soldiers' orphans secured, was for many years the ac- 
tive and efficient Superintendent of the Tressler Orphans' 1 Home ; 
and it is mainly owing to his self-denying and laborious exertions 
that that institution for many years bore the well-earned reputa- 
tion of being the most admirably conducted Soldier's Orphans' 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 45 

Home in the State of Pennsylvania. Now that the policy of the 
State authorities has made it necessary for the soldiers' orphans 
to be concentrated in a few institutions especially intended for 
them, our Church-orphans have become entirely dependent upon 
the charitable gifts of our own people, and we may confidently 
trust that there will be no lack of sympathy or of benevolent ef- 
fort for them on the part of our Synod. 

women's home and foreign missionary societies. 
This Synod cordially responded to the action of the General 
Synod at its session in Carthage, 111., in 1877, recommending the 
establishment of separate missionary societies by the women of 
our churches. Fifty-five of such associations exist upon our 
territory, banded together in a " Synodical Woman's Home and 
Foreign Missionary Society," the proceedings of the annual meet- 
ings of which will hereafter be regularly printed in connection 
with our minutes. 

histories of the churches. 
In the minutes of 1854 we find a committee reporting upon the 
proceedings of the Susquehanna Conference, which it highly eu- 
logizes, as " being animated by a spirit of activity and enterprise^ 
which makes it an example well worthy of the imitation of all 
similar bodies, not only in our own Synod, but in the whole 
Church." Among other praiseworthy doings of that Conference it 
enumerates " a plan which the brethren have devised for preserv- 
ing the history of our Church, the main feature of which is, that 
each pastor within the bounds of Conference prepare a concise 
and faithful history of the church or churches under his care, for 
preservation in the library of the Historical Society of our Church 
at Gettysburg." The Synod cordially approved of this plan, and 
earnestly recommended to all its pastors the prompt preparation 
of such sketches. Some of the brethren cheerfully heeded this 



46 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

recommendation, and these sketches, in print or in manuscript, 
are now carefully preserved in the library of the Lutheran Histori- 
cal Society. It is earnestly desired and hoped that this semi- 
centennial year of our existence as a Synod will not be suffered to 
pass by without witnessing the fulfilment of the request, reiterated 
by our Synod at its last session, viz., that all our ministerial 
brethren prepare brief histories of their churches for permanent 
preservation in the library of our Historical Society. 



SYNODICAL MEETINGS AND OFFICERS. 



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SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



I, FRIESBURG (COHANSEY) CHURCH, SALEM 
COUNTY, N. J. 

BY REV. S. J. MCDOWELL. 

The history of the Friesburg Lutheran Church dates back to 
1726. Some time during that year, Rev. Peter Tranberg, a 
Swedish pastor, began to serve a small body of Lutherans that 
settled in and about the district now known as Friesburg. In the 
year 1732 a young man, Jacob M. Miller by name, who had come 
to this country with the Rev. John Christian Schultze, settled 
among the little band of Lutherans, and apparently infused new 
life into it. With his coming increased activity arises, and things 
are brought into a better shape. The " little Lutheran congre- 
gation" so "long a time in existence," now becomes strong 
enough to build for itself a church. In 1 739 this is undertaken 
and completed. It was a frame structure, and stood until re- 
placed by one of brick in 1768. 

Rev. Tranberg also served two other congregations with the 
one at Friesburg ; one at Raccoon, eighteen miles from Friesburg, 
and the other at Pennsneck, both along the Delaware river. He 
continued dividing his time between these three places until he 
removed to Wilmington, Del., in 1740. After that, he supplied 
the Friesburg people for three more years. He was relieved of 
this congregation by Pastor Gabriel Nasmann, in October, 1743. 
The latter held services for them once a month from Wicaco, 
Philadelphia. It was always on a week-day, and usually on a 
Monday. He preached in both the English and German lan- 
guages for them. 

In 1745 they were without a pastor, and applied for one to the 

(49) 



50 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

German ministers of Philadelphia. In April of that year they 
visited Pastor Brunnholtz, who promised that the pastors of Phil- 
adelphia would visit them at least once or twice a year to 
look after their spiritual interests. In the meantime they were 
to have a school-master sent them, who was to see to the proper 
education of their children, and read a sermon for them every 
Sunday. Jacob Loser was at once sent to attend to this part of 
the agreement. He carried with him a copy of Francke's Postille, 
from which he read a sermon every Lord's day. It was his duty 
to catechise the children and prepare them for confirmation 
when the Philadelphia pastor should arrive to perform all mar- 
riage ceremonies, baptize the children and hold communion. 
This arrangement lasted more than half a century. 

Several of these visits from the Philadelphia pastors receive 
special mention in the Haliesche Nachrichten. Brunnholtz vis- 
ited them in 1749, and again in 1752, at which time he promised 
them, if possible, to see to it that they should be visited more 
frequently. In 1760 Pastor Handschuh visited them, accompa- 
nied by part of his own church council of Philadelphia, for the 
purpose of holding communion. It was on the 24th day of June, 
and a large congregation had gathered for worship — some coming 
more than thirty miles through all the summer heat. On this oc- 
casion twelve children were baptized, and one hundred and twenty 
communed. After Pastor Brunnholtz died Pastor Handschuh was 
too busy to find any time for Friesburg, and they were without a 
single visit from a regularly ordained minister for two years. 

In 1760 Pastor Henry Melchior Muhlenberg spent a week with 
them. At this time one hundred and twenty five communed. 
It was from the 8th to the 14th of June, and he lodged with Mr. 
Jacob Fries, from whom the place has taken its name. The house 
in which Miihlenberg then lodged is still standing. It is now oc- 
cupied by a member of the congregation, and our young people 
of the Christian Endeavor Society will hold their next social in 
the very room where that venerable pioneer of Lutheranism in 
America spent the summer evenings one hundred and thirty-two 
years ago. 

In 1763 he again visited the congregation, bringing with him 
his wife and daughter. At this time he visited the now aged 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 5 I 

Jacob M. Miller, who, having infused new life into the little band 
in its infancy, continued a zealous member of the congregation 
until his death. 

The above arrangement of supplies from the Philadelphia min- 
isters continued with more or less interruption until 1800. In 
that year the school-master of the congregation was licensed to 
preach for them. His connection with them as pastor was, how- 
ever, of short duration. He was succeeded by Rev. Wm. Baetes, 
one of Dr. Helmuth's theological students, 1808-18 10. Then 
followed Rev. C. F. Cruse, 1819-1824, who subsequently entered 
the Episcopal Church in New York State. During his pastorate 
the congregation had dwindled down to forty-three communicant 
members. From 1833-35 R ev - Mark Harpel served them ; 
from 1835-37 Rev. W. M. Reynolds, who translated Acrelius' 
" History of New Sweden," &c. He was followed by Rev. Jacob 
C. Duy, 1837-39. I n T ^39 R- ev - Edw. Town served them a short 
while; from 1842-51 Rev. John R. Willox ; from April 1852 to 
October 1854, Rev. A. L. Bridgeman ; from 1855-57 Rev. 
Ferdinand Berkemeyer ; from 1858-66 Rev. J. N. Unruh. Rev. 
Unruh found the congregation very small and disheartened. Un- 
der his care it again revived and became very strong. He was 
followed by Rev. Sylvander Curtis ; then by Rev. J. W. Lake from 
1871-74 ; from 1874-79 by Rev. P. M. Rightmyer ; from 1879-81 
by Rev. W. P. Evans. He was followed by Rev. A. W. Lentz, 1882- 
86, and he in 1887 by Rev. J. E. Dietterich, now pastor of the 
newly organized mission at Bridgeton, New Jersey. 

The congregation belonged to the Ministerium of Pennsylvania 
from the organization of that body until 1842. Then Pastor Wil- 
lox left the Ministerium, and took the congregation with him into 
the newly organized East Pennsylvania Synod. With this Synod 
it remained until the New Jersey Synod was formed. When that 
was merged into the New York and New Jersey Synod, the con- 
gregation became a member of the latter body. It was brought 
back into the East Pennsylvania Synod again by Rev. Dietterich 
in May, 1891. Its present pastor is Rev. S. J. McDowell, of the 
Class of 1892 of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. 

The congregation is in a good condition, having a membership 
of two hundred, with a Sunday-school of about two hundred and 



52 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

fifty members, and a Y. P. S. C. E., numbering about ninety 
members. The congregation supports a pastor, and has preach- 
ing twice each Lord's Day, and a midweek prayer meeting. The 
value of the church property is estimated at $10,000. 

May God's blessing rest upon this ancient land-mark, and ever 
assist it in securing and supporting faithful men to administer 
in it the divinely-appointed means of grace. That it may close 
its history with pastors as pious and zealous in the cause of Christ 
as were the devoted fathers who cared for it in its infancy, is our 
sincere prayer. 



II. SCHAFFERSTOWN CHARGE : BRICKERVILLE, LAN- 
CASTER CO.; SCHAEFFERSTOWN, LEBANON CO. 

by rev. m. fernsler. 
t. St. John's, Brickerville. 

The old Warwick church, with which the present St. John's 
congregation claims historic identity, was organized by Rev. 
John Caspar Stoever, in the year 1 730. Thirty-six names of male 
members appear on the records. Rev. Stoever served until 1743. 
Then records are silent until 1770. In the year 1743 the Penns, 
John, Thomas and Richard, issued a patent for thirty-five acres 
of land, in trust, for the use of this church forever. 

From 1770 to 1773, the Rev. H. M. Muhlenberg was pastor. 
Rev. Dr, Helmuth served from the spring of 1774 to May, 1 775 ; 
Rev. Schwarback, of Virginia, from May, 1775, to some time in 
1776. Rev. Helmuth again served until some time in 1777, when 
Rev. Stoever, now aged, again took charge, " preaching as much 
as he could, being sickly," until 1779. In this year, " on Good 
Friday, May 13, he administered the communion to the children 
newly confirmed, and in the afternoon of that day died." Rev. J. 
D. Schroeder took charge in 1780, and left in 1781. Aug. 12, 
1806, the corner-stone of the present brick church building was 
laid, the Revs. Emanuel Schultze and John Plitt officiating. On 
October 25, 1807, it was dedicated; Revs. Schultze, Dr. H. M. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 53 

Muhlenberg, and Dr. George Lochman, of Lebanon, were present 
on the occasion. Rev. Schultze had been pastor for some years. 
He preached his last sermon on November 20, 1808, and March 
11, 1809, he died. About this time the Schaefferstown Lutheran 
church united with that at Brickerville, and they jointly elected 
the Rev. Wm. Baetes, of Philadelphia, who took charge July 8, 
1 8 10. In June, 18 14, Rev. Baetes moved into the newly-built 
brick parsonage, now standing near the Brickerville brick church. 
In 1 81 5 the old school-house belonging to this church was re- 
built. After serving for twenty-six years, Rev. Baetes preached 
his farewell sermon on August 14, 1836. The "honorable" 
Charles Philip Miller, of Milton, Pa., having been called, moved 
into the parsonage September 25, 1836, and served as pastor 
until November 28, 1841. The churches " Swamp, Kisselberger, 
Weisecher and Manheim, united with Brickerville" in forming a 
pastoral charge, and called Rev. Christopher G. Frederick, who 
moved into the Brickerville parsonage July 29, 1842, preaching 
his first sermon as pastor August 7, 1842. He resigned and left 
in 1849. ^ ev - T. T. Jeager served as pastor from 1850 to 1852 ; 
Rev. Charles Rees from 1854 to 1856. 

The following facts are gathered from the " paper books." 
The Rev. M. Harpel was called as pastor and took charge in 
1859. He served until 1870, when he resigned. When the 
Synod of Pennsylvania withdrew from the General Synod, Mr. 
Harpel preferred not to go with them. At the meeting of the 
East Pennsylvania Synod, in 1867, he appeared with George W. 
Steinmetz, Esq., as delegate-elect, and with a formal application 
signed by many of the members of the congregation, including 
eleven of the church-council. Both Mr. Harpel and the congre- 
gation were cordially received by that body. A suit brought by 
disaffected parties for the possession of the church property in 
1868 was lost. 

Rev. S. S. Engel was called as pastor, and served from the 
spring of 1870 until 1874. On May 23, 1874, Rev. W. S. Porr 
was elected as pastor, serving until January, 1875, wnen ne moved 
to Lancaster, continuing his services in the congregation, however, 
until June 27, 1875. A committee, consisting of Revs. D. P. 
Rosenmiller, G. J. Martz and W. I. Cutter, appointed by the 



54 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Lebanon Conference of the East Pennsylvania Synod, now sup- 
plied the pulpit until December 20, 1875, when Rev. Cutter 
moved into the parsonage as the regular pastor-elect. 

Already in August, 1875, the desire of some members "once 
again to hear a man from the Old Synod" having been granted, 
Rev. Thomas Jeager preached in the church. He at once made 
a further appointment, and the vacant alternate Sundays were 
from this time utilized by various ministers of the Pennsylvania 
Ministerium, until at a meeting called by them January 14, 1876, 
but neither announced nor sanctioned by the acting pastor,. Rev. 
Cutter, and his adherents, a resolution was passed to sever the 
connection of the congregation with the East Pennsylvania 
Synod. Both parties continued to use the church building. 

A bill of complaint was entered in the Lancaster Court, Jan- 
uary 26, 1876, praying that an injunction be issued, restraining 
the party adhering to the Ministerium from entering the church. 
The master's decision, adverse to the granting of such injunction, 
was sustained by the Court. 

In September, 1878, the East Pennsylvania Synod, in re-dis- 
tricting pastorates, united the Brickerville and Schaefferstown 
churches to constitute a pastoral charge. Rev. M. Fernsler, 
having been called, entered the parsonage October 28, 1878, and 
preached his opening sermon in the church on Sunday, Novem- 
ber 10, 1878. He was installed as pastor, January 19, 1879, by 
Revs. W. S. Porr and J. Peter, a committee appointed for that 
purpose by the President of the East Pennsylvania Synod. 

A suit for ejectment having been brought by the other party, 
June 4, 1879, the case was tried in December, 1881, and Septem- 
ber, 1883, the jury in each case failing to find a verdict. The 
third trial, in September, 1884, was decided in favor of the plain- 
tiffs, but this judgment was reversed by the Supreme Court, and 
a new trial ordered. The case was tried for the fourth time in 
February, 1886, resulting again in favor of the plaintiffs, the ver- 
dict being finally confirmed by the Supreme Court, October 4, 
1886. 

This decision appears to have rested upon the recognition of 
the meeting held on January 14, 1876, and the opinion that the 
members who, with Rev. Cutter, refused to participate in that 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 55 

meeting, really thereby seceded and forfeited their rights in the 
congregation. The defendants, upon the other hand, have always 
contended that the meeting in question was irregular, and its 
recognition by the courts the result of a failure to give due weight 
to some established principles of Lutheran Church polity. 

Upon learning the final issue of the case, Rev. Mr. Asay, pastor 
of the "James Coleman Memorial Church," on the Elizabeth 
Farms, appeared at the Lutheran parsonage with full authority, 
and invited the Lutheran people to come and hold their services 
in said Memorial Church. This Christian offer was gratefully ac- 
cepted, and regular services there held until the new house ot 
worship, forty by sixty feet, erected in sight of the old church 
building, was finished. The latter was dedicated August 7, 1889, 
Dr. E. Huber and Revs. W. H. Lewars and C. H. Asay assisting 
the pastor. A membership of one hundred and sixty, with their 
pastor, entered the beautiful new church with their hearts full of 
gratitude and praise to God. In November following forty-seven 
more members were added. Many have since then died or re- 
moved. Still others live at such a distance that they are unable 
to attend services, and are hence not included in the number 
(one hundred and fifty-two) reported at the last meeting of Synod. 
Thousands of dollars were spent by these people during the long 
and wearisome litigations. In consequence, there is still some 
debt resting on the new house of worship, but this is being re- 
duced. The outlook is fair, services are well attended, and 
harmony prevails. 

2. SCHAEFFERSTOWN. 

The Lutheran church at this place was erected in 1765, the 
steeple being built two years later. In 18 19 considerable repair- 
ing was done inside and some alterations made. The church 
was repainted about twenty years ago. In 1884 it was again re- 
modeled, at a cost of $6,100. The steeple was taken down 
from the west and put up at the east end. The west gable wall 
was removed, and sixteen feet added to the length of the build- 
ing. The interior was entirely renewed. Opposite the pulpit 
stands a pipe organ said to be over one hundred years old. 
Close to the church building is a small Sunday-school and 



56 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

prayer house, controlled by separate trustees. This is really at 
present an encumbrance, as it prevents the erection by the con- 
gregation of a suitable building for the Sunday-school. 

The congregation worshiping in this ancient temple was 
organized some time before the erection of the building. There 
exists a glimpse of burial records as far back as 1720. It ap- 
pears that pastoral functions were exercised at one period by C. 
F. Muhlenberg, M. D. Rev. Emanuel Schultze was apparently 
the first regular minister who officiated in the church. Whether 
he served the congregation which was styled the "Heidelberg 
Gemeinde " (so called from the ancient name of the town) ex- 
isting prior to the organization of this church, we have no means 
of ascertaining. His pastorate extended from 1765 until 1809. 
Our oldest citizens remember him as continuing to labor when 
quite aged and infirm. The next pastor, serving with great 
earnestness from about 18 10 until 1836, was Rev. Wm. Baetes. 
The third pastor, from 1837 until 1849, was Rev. Jonathan 
Ruthrauff, who was fervent and undaunted in his preaching. 
Rev. J. M. Deitzler served faithfully from 1850 until 1865, when 
the pastorate of Rev. U. Graves, lasting about one year, followed. 
On April 11, 1866, Rev. M. Fernsler was unanimously elected 
pastor, with the understanding that the church alone should 
thenceforth constitute a pastoral charge. The Synod failing to 
sanction the division of the charge, Rev. Fernsler declined the 
call. Rev. G. J. Martz was elected August 21, 1867, and served 
until November 1, 1878. Rev. M. Fernsler, the present pastor, 
preached his introductory sermon, December 1, 1878. 

Very interesting centennial services were held in 1865, during 
which addresses and sermons were delivered by Revs. E. Huber, 
of Hummelstown, Daniel Schindler, of Lebanon, J. M. Deitzler, of 
Annville, E. S. Henry, of Pine Grove, and U. Graves, the pastor. 
Many of the facts contained in the above have been gleaned from 
a historical sketch prepared by a committee for that occasion. 

Since the days of Rev. Ruthrauff, meetings for prayer and 
mutual exhortation have been maintained, resulting in great 
good. The charter of the congregation, obtained in 1855, gives 
the rights of membership to all persons admitted who shall con- 
tribute annually a sum not less than fifty cents towards the cur- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 5 7 

rent expenses. In the light of this provision, the membership is 
about four hundred and fifty. Amid many discouragements, the 
pastor and his faithful helpers are laboring on in hope. 

STATIONS ABSORBED RICHLAND AND TEMPLEMAN. 

Richland is a small town, two miles east of Myerstown, along 
the Philadelphia and Reading railroad. At this place a small 
congregation was organized twenty-five years ago by Rev. G. J. 
Martz. A small house of worship, still there, was erected jointly 
by the Lutherans, Reformed and Tunkers or German Baptists, 
each party being entitled to hold services every third Sunday. 
When the present pastor of SchaerTerstown charge commenced 
his services here, there were about a dozen members. He for 
some years continued to hold services regularly every three weeks. 
Finding, however, no material available to build up with without 
robbing others, and the membership growing less by death and 
removal, the few good members were transferred to SchaerTers- 
town church, and no services have been held there by the present 
pastor during the last year : a number of the people there belong 
to churches within a few miles. 

Templeman Chapel is a small Sunday-school house, erected by 
the community, one mile east of Cornwall, in the spring of 1887. 
Provision was made in the charter that the Lutherans of the Gen- 
eral Synod and the Reformed could hold services there alternately. 
A number of Lutheran members having moved there from the 
SchaerTerstown and Briekerville churches, it was supposed best to 
organize and commence services. The pastor of SchaerTerstown 
promised to preach in the afternoon every four weeks. 

An organization was effected in May, 1887, with twenty-two 
members, and regular services were held every four weeks. A 
few were added, but the number in a few years so decreased by 
death and by removals, that for about a year or so no services 
have been held there on the Lutheran side. Within a short dis- 
tance there is a regular General Council church, with a fine house 
of worship, and supplied every two weeks with preaching by a 
regular pastor from Lebanon. There are still a few members re- 
maining at Templeman (now Rexmont) and their desire is that 
sendees should again be held there. 



58 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

III. ANNVILLE CHARGE, LEBANON CO.— HILL AND 
ANNVILLE. 

BY REV. W. H. LEWARS. 

i. Hill Church (Berg Kirche). 

This church is located in what is now North Annville town- 
ship, Lebanon county, Pa., about two and one-half miles north- 
west of the city of Lebanon, and is the mother of all the Lutheran 
churches in this vicinity. 

It has from the beginning to the present been a union church, 
in which the Lutheran and Reformed congregations have worship. 



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BERG KIRCHE. 

The first edifice was erected in 1733. The material consisted 
of roughly hewn logs. These also served as seats, quite in con- 
trast with the modern pew. For many years there were no 
stoves in the building. 

During the winter months a fire was built on the outside with 
logs, of which there was an abundance, around which the people 
gathered awaiting the arrival of the minister. 

When, finally, stoves were introduced, considerable and serious 
difficulties arose in the congregations. 

Some idea of the primitive history of this church can be gained 
from the following : 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 59 

Rev. George Lochman, D. D., in speaking of churches in 
Lebanon county in 181 2, says : " Unter diesen ist die Berg Kirche 
Gemeine, die aelteste. Schon im Jahr 1733 ist sie gessammalet 
worden, zu einer Zeit da die Indianer noch haefige Einfaelle in 
die Gegend machten und mordeten." 

He further states that people often took their guns with them 
to church to defend themselves against the savages. 

During divine services, men with loaded muskets were placed 
at the doors as sentinels. According to the first records kept, it 
was called " the Church on the Quittapahilla." 

Its Lutheran pastors have been — 1733-1779? extending over 
46 years, John Caspar Stover; 1779— 1794, a pastorate of 15 
years, Frederick Theodore Melsheimer ; 1794-1815^ pastorate 
of 21 years, George Lochman; 18 15-1836, a pastorate of 21 
years, William G. Ernst. In 1836 Rev. Jonathan Ruthrauff be- 
came the pastor, continuing to serve about 13 years. 

In 1850 A. C. Wedekind made the first entry in a Record 
commenced by him. He made the last entry September 
1 8th, 1853, presumably serving the congregation in connection 
with Lebanon (Zion) about three years. He was followed by J. 
M. Deitzler, about 1856, Christian A. Fetzer, 1 860-1863, anc ^ 
George P. Weaver, 1 863-1 864. 

Rev. J. M. Deitzler, who followed, made his first entry April 
16, 1865, and continued to serve the congregation until the 
spring of 1890, his pastorate extending over twenty-five years. 

On April 15, 1890, the present pastor, Rev. W. H. Levvars, en- 
tered the field. 

The first pastor and his wife are buried in the "graveyard"' ad- 
joining the church. The spot where their bodies repose is marked 
by two roughly hewn sandstones. The workmanship is crude ; 
but an attempt was made by loving hands to embellish them with 
art in the shape of a figure representing a cherub. With great 
labor and patience the following inscription was obtained — the 
peculiar use, as well as want, of capitals will be noticed by the 
reader, as well as discrepancies in orthography, etc. 

Heir Ruhet in seinem erloser entschlaffen Johan Casper Stover 
erster Evangel Luthericher prediger in pensilvanien, ist geboren in 
Der under paflz* D. 21 Dec 1707 er zeigte mit seiner Ehe Frau 

* Pfalz. 



60 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Maria Catharine 1 1 kinder 4 sein in die ewigkeit voran gegangen, 
er starb D 13 May 1779 seines alters 71 y 4 mon 3 wo u 2 Tag. 

The present building, which is the second, is of brick, and was 
erected in 1837. 

A very quaint old Record, bound in rawhide, having entries of 
baptisms, deaths, etc., as early as 1734, is in the possession of the 
present pastor. 

A German Bible printed at Halle in 1793, and bought by the 
congregation in 1798 for 16 shillings and 6 pence, is still in use 
in conducting the altar service. 

A communion cup bearing date of 1 745 is also in possession of 
the congregation. 

There is an endowment of eleven hundred dollars upon this 
church for the benefit of the Lutheran congregation. 

2. First Lutheran Church, Annville. 

In 1804 members of the Lutheran congregation worshiping in 
the Hill Church (Berg Kirche), who lived at and near Annville, 
concluded to organize a church at home, and, accordingly, in 
conjunction with members of the Reformed denomination, erected 
a fine stone church building upon a lot donated by Martin Ulrich 
and Adam Reugel. 

The two congregations' worshiped in this edifice until 1871, 
when for various reasons a separation was deemed advisable, 
whereupon the Reformed organization purchased the interest of 
the Lutherans in the property for three thousand dollars, and the 
latter erected a building, which is now occupied by the above- 
named congregation. 

The corner-stone was laid in 1872. At the time when the sep- 
aration between the Lutherans and the Reformed took place, a 
division also occurred among the Lutherans, the difficulty having 
arisen from a difference of opinion in regard to what were then 
known as "new measures." That portion of the congregation 
antagonistic to what they regarded extreme practices withdrew, 
and organized St. Paul's church (General Council). 

The names of the pastors who have served this congregation 
since 1804 are : Revs. George Lochman, 1 804-1 81 5 ; William 
G. Ernst, 1 81 5-1 849 ; G. F. Krotel, 1849-185 3; H. S. Miller, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



61 



1854-1859 (?) j Wm. S. Porr, 1859-1860; C. A. Fetzer, 1860- 
1863 ; Geo. P. Weaver, 1863-1864 ; J. M. Deitzler, 1865-1890 ; 
and W. H. Lewars, 1890 to the present. 

The church edifice cost ten thousand dollars, and is built of 
limestone. The lot upon which it stands was donated to the 
congregation by John D. Biever, who paid about one-half the 
cost of the building. He also erected a two-story brick " sexton's 
house " on a lot adjoining the church, and bought a two-story 




FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ANNVILLE, PA. 

brick house about one-half square from the church and donated 
it as a parsonage. He subsequently determined to build a par- 
sonage on a lot adjoining the church, on the side opposite the 
" sexton's house," but died before this was accomplished. His 
widow, Mrs. Rebecca Biever, afterwards carried out his inten- 
tions, in the erection of a substantial and commodious brick 
parsonage. 

He also placed an endowment upon the church to the amount 
of three thousand dollars. This amount was supplemented by his 
widow to the extent of two thousand one hundred dollars, she 



62 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

having made the church her residuary legatee. The total inter- 
est-bearing fund is $5,100. In addition to this, a permanent fund 
of one thousand dollars was placed upon the cemetery, the 
amount coming from the same estate. 

It is but due to say, that the commendable generosity here 
recorded grew out of a life-long Christian character. The piety 
of Mr. Biever was acknowledged by all who knew him. He 
assumed a directing and sustaining influence in the church for 
half a century, and for forty-nine years was the Superintendent of 
the Sunday-school. 

The congregation was served for almost a quarter of a century 
by Rev. J. M. Deitzler, during which time the church and other 
buildings were erected. The present pastor, Rev. W. H. Lewars, 
entered the field in April, 1890. 



IV. SPRINGTOWN CHARGE, BUCKS CO.— SPRINGFIELD, 



DURHAM, SPRINGTOWN. 



BY REV. O. H. MELCHOR. 



The churches constituting the present "Springtown Charge" 
were for many years a part of the " Kintersville charge," in con- 
nection with the congregations of Nockamixon and Lower Tini- 
cum. The pastoral records of all these congregations indicate 
that from the dates of organization, respectively, they were all 
served, with rare exceptions, by the same pastors until the year 
1879. 

1. Trinity, Springfield. 

The oldest of the five, Trinity congregation of Springfield, was 
organized about 1751, and for twelve years was served by sup- 
plies or missionaries. 

In 1763 John Michael Enderlein became pastor. He was fol- 
lowed by Rev. Augustus Herman Schmidt. Rev. Peter Ahl be- 
came pastor in 1789, and served until 1797. Rev. John Conrad 
Jeagerwas pastor from 1797 to 1801 ; Rev. John Paul Ferdinand 
Kramer, from 1801 to 1803; Rev. John Nicholas Mensch, from 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 63 

1803 to 1823 ; Rev. Henry S. Miller, from 1823 to 1838; Rev. C. 
F. Weld en, from 1838 to 1842 ; Rev. C. P. Miller, from October, 
1842, to September, 1865 ; Rev. W. S. Emery, from December, 
1865, to July, 1879, at which time the present pastor took charge. 
Tradition claims that a log church was built about 175 1, and 
that it was also used as a school-house. Be that as it may, be- 
yond the memory of the oldest inhabitant a school-house has 
stood under the shadow of the church. The first stone edifice 
was erected in 1763. This was replaced by another in 1816, and 
the present one was built in 1872. 

2. Durham. 

Prior to 181 2 there were three church organizations in Durham 
township. The earliest account of any religious services is dated 
1728, and these were held in a school-house connected with the 
Durham Iron Works. The first organization was an English Pres- 
byterian one in 1742, at the Iron Works. Later, there was an in- 
flux of Germans, and a German Presbyterian church (merged, 
finally, into the German Reformed) was organized in 1790, which 
worshiped in a barn. At a still later period, services were held in 
another school-house by German Lutherans and German Re- 
formed. 

There is no record of the organization of a German Lutheran 
congregation ; but on the 8th of August, 181 2, these three bodies 
united and purchased an acre of ground, in the township of Dur- 
ham, near the Iron Works, and appointed trustees to erect a 
house for the worship of God, to be known as "Durham Union 
church," for the joint use of the English Presbyterians, the Ger- 
man Reformed and the Lutherans. In 1876 Presbyterian services 
were finally abandoned, and the church property now is owned 
jointly by the Reformed and Lutherans. 

The church edifice of 181 2 was replaced by a handsome stone 
building in 1857, which was remodeled in 1889, presenting a 
handsome interior, while without it is "beautiful for situation, the 
joy of the whole earth." 

From 181 2 there are data for a history of the congregation. 
Rev. John Nicholas Mensch was at this time the pastor, serving 
from 181 1 to 1823, preaching also at Springfield and Lower Tini- 
cum. He was succeeded by the following : 



64 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Revs. Henry S. Miller, 1823-1838; C. F. Welden, 1838-1842 ; 
C. P. Miller, 1842-1865 ; W. S. Emery, 1865-1879; O. H. 
Melchor, July 1, 1879 to the present time. 

The records show that down to 1879 a ^ °f these pastors also 
served the congregations of Tinicum and Springfield. 

3. Christ's, Springtown. 

This was a point for occasional preaching as early as i860, but 
it did not become a regular station until 1871. It is in reality a 
child of the Springfield church. The corner-stone for a union 
church was laid on May 18, 1872. This church was for the joint 
use of the Lutherans, Reformed, Presbyterians and Mennonites, 
and is known as "Christ's Church, of Springtown." A Lutheran 
congregation was regularly organized on April 6, 1874, by Rev. 
W. S. Emery, pastor. 

In the spring of 1879, the Kintnersville charge, by the recom- 
mendation of Conference, divided, Tinicum and Nockamixon 
forming one charge, and Durham, Springfield and Springtown the 
other. The latter at once extended a unanimous call to the 
present pastor, who accepted, and took charge July 1, 1879. 

The pastor being a member of the East Pennsylvania Synod, 
and the congregations being a part of the Ministerium of Penn- 
sylvania, the congregations voted, with but three negative ballots 
at Durham and two at Springfield, to sever connection with the 
Ministerium and to unite with the East Pennsylvania Synod. 
This vote was taken at Durham in August, 1879, an d at Spring- 
field the following year. Springtown unanimously followed Dur- 
ham and Springfield. From this time on, the history of these 
congregations is written in the reports of the East Pennsylvania 
Synod. 

All the churches of this charge are still owned jointly by the 
Lutherans and Reformed, and services are held in both the Eng- 
lish and the German languages. The German is, however, rapidly 
dying out in the Durham congregation, and Springfield, during 
the present pastorate, has introduced English services at stated 
intervals. In this congregation Pennsylvania German is spoken 
exclusively. The church buildings are comparatively new and all 
are free of debt, Durham and Springfield having handsome pipe 
organs. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 65 

V. KINTNERSVILLE CHARGE, BUCKS CO.— NOCKA- 
MIXON AND UPPER TINICUM. 

BY REV. S. S. DIEHL. 
I. NOCKAMIXON. 

The Lutheran congregation of Nockamixon was organized 
about the year A. D. 1752. The first church was on the hill 
north of the village of Ferndale. In 18 12 the Lutheran and Re- 
formed congregations united in .fellowship. The corner-stone of 
the first Union church was laid on Easter Monday, April 19, 18 13. 
The corner-stone of the present structure was laid July 3, 1875. 
The church seems to have been served for some years by supplies. 
The regular pastors were as follows : 

Revs. John Michael Enderlein, 1766; Jacob S. Miller, 1773; 
Peter Ahl, 1789; Augustus Herman Schmidt, 1798; John Paul 
Ferdinand Kramer, 1801 ; John Nicholas Mensch, 1803; Henry 
S. Miller, 1823 ; C. F. Welden, 1838 ; C. P. Miller, 1842 ; W. S. 
Emery, 1865 ; O. H. Melchor, 1880; S. S. Diehl, 1892. 

In February, 1880, the congregation decided by a vote of 69 
to 25 to sever its connection with the Pennsylvania Synod of the 
General Council, and to connect with the East Pennsylvania 
Synod of the General Synod. Immediately after this decision, 
Rev. O. H. Melchor, a member of the congregation, was elected 
pastor. The congregation then joined the pastoral charge of 
Rev. Melchor, consisting of Durham, Springfield and Springtown. 
Of this charge the congregation was a part till January, T892, 
when the charge of Rev. Melchor was divided and Nockamixon, 
of Rev. Melchor's charge, and Upper Tinicum, of Rev. Fleck's 
charge, formed a new charge, electing Rev. Samuel S. Diehl, 
of the Gettysburg Seminary, as the first pastor. Several of the 
members of this congregation are now pastors in Lutheran 
churches, namely, Rev. Wilson Seiner, of Luthersburg, Clear- 
field Co., Rev. O. H. Melchor, of Springtown, Bucks Co., Rev. 
D. R. Becker, of Palmyra, Pa. 

2. Upper Tinicum. 
The Upper Tinicum Lutheran congregation was organized by 



66 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Rev. John R. Willox, Lutheran pastor at Riegelsville, Who held 
occasional services in the school-houses of the vicinity. As a re- 
sult there was a general desire for a house of worship in the 
neighborhood. The corner-stone of the new church was laid on 
Whitsunday, 1851, and the dedication occurred in the autumn of 
the same year. This church was always served in connection 
with Rieglesville. The pastors serving the congregation were as 
follows : 

Revs. J. R. Willox, 185 1 ; C. L. Keedy, 1862 ; Nathan Jeager, 
1863; Theophilus Heilig, 1864 • D. T. Koser, 1877; C. L. 
Fleck, 1887 ; S. S. Diehl, 1892. 

In January, 1892, the congregation decided to join with Nock- 
amixon church of Rev. Melchor's charge and thus form a new 
pastorate. 



VI. WHITEMARSH CHARGE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY 
— WHITEMARSH AND UPPER DUBLIN. 

BY REV. MATTHIAS SHEELEIGH, D. D. 
I. WHITEMARSH. 

This church is located thirteen miles north of the centre of 
Philadelphia, two miles above the corporate limits of the city. 
The North Pennsylvania Railroad runs one mile east of the 
church. The Barren Hill church is four miles to the west. In 
the county there are twenty-six Lutheran churches ; five being in 
connection with the East Pennsylvania Synod, and twenty-one 
with the Pennsylvania Synod. 

The region is highly picturesque. From an eminence in the 
vicinity twenty-two places of worship are counted. The imagin- 
ary "marsh" is nowhere visible, either on lowland or highland. 
In this vicinity, Gen. Washington rested his army for seven weeks, 
in 1777, after the battle of Germantown, and before retiring to 
Valley Forge. 

According to a declining custom, the church edifice and ceme- 
tery are owned conjointly and equally with a German Reformed 
congregation. "The Union Church" is the familiar designation 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 67 

in the community. June 14, 181 7, is the date of the first formal 
meeting for organizing — now 75 years ago. 

Those present were identified with congregations of the two de- 
nominations named, at Germantown, six to seven miles south- 
ward. Rev. Caspar Wack, Reformed, presided, and Jacob Gil- 
bert, Lutheran, served as secretary. At a later meeting, January 
24, 1 8 18, presided over by Rev. John C. Baker, Lutheran, it was 
reported that Philip Sellers had presented the lot on which the 
church now stands ; to which adjoining ground was directly pur- 
chased. The cost of the edifice and furnishing amounted to 
$3,409.20. 

An Act of Incorporation was secured, approved by Governor 
Joseph Hiester on March 30, 18 18. The corporate title reads, 
" The Trustees of the Union Church of Whitemarsh." 

A meeting was held at the Union school-house of Whitemarsh, 
October 18, 181 8, to elect officers for the respective congrega- 
tions. The names of those chosen at this first election are Jacob 
Gilbert, Christian Grafley, Henry Daub, William Egbert, Peter 
Shull, Daniel Gilbert and John Trexler, on the Lutheran side ; and 
Henry Scheetz, John Haney, John Miller, Jacob Kibler, William 
Bitting, Henry Scheetz, Jr., and Jacob Wentz, for the Reformed 
side. 

In 1830, the names of officers were the following : Lutheran — 
Christopher Grafley, Daniel Nace, John Dutill, Jacob Ettinger, 
John Katz, Samuel Dewees, Samuel Felty, and John Dager ; Re- 
formed — Henry Scheetz, John Haney, Abraham Zimmerman, 
John Y. Henk, George Streevy, Henry Scheetz, Jr., John Kehr, 
and Francis Kehr. 

Turning to the records of 1840, the following new names ap- 
pear among the Lutheran officers : Daniel Bickle, William 
Egbert, Henry Harner, Samuel Evans, John Dager, William 
Shugard, and Bernard Bisbing. In 1850, still other new names 
appear in the Council : Daniel Slifer, John Kuhler, Abraham 
Slifer, John Sorber and — Neiman. 

\ The present Lutheran Council consists of the following : Trus- 
tees — Samuel Van Winkle, and Charles C. Slifer ; Elders — George 
D. Heist, Mahlon F. Scheetz and Samuel Yeakle ; Deacons — 
Belding B. Slifer, William S. Kerper, and Frank S. Harner. 



68 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

The church edifice is of stone. It was erected in 1818; was 
remodeled and extended in 1861 ; and again, in 1882, under- 
went a general renovation and improvement. Extensive shedding 
was built in 1848, at a cost of $347.83. In 1876, the cemetery 
was enlarged by the purchase of five acres of adjoining ground, 
for $2,000.00. 

From the beginning to the present, the Lutheran pastors have 
been the following: Rev. John C. Baker, 1818 to 1828; Rev. 
Benjamin Keller, 1829 to 1835; Rev. C. W. SchaerTer, 1835 t0 
1 84 1 ; Rev. Frederick R. Anspach, 1841 to 1850; Rev. William 
H. Smith, 1850 to 1852 ; Rev. Prof. Henry Haverstick and Rev. 
Luther E. Albert, supplied about three months in 1852 ; Rev. 
William M. Baum, 1852 to 1854; Rev. David Swope, 1855 t0 
1856. The last named was the first pastor settled in the place ; 
the church having previously been served, successively, by pas- 
tors of St. Michael's of Germantown, and St. Peter's of Barren 
Hill. This was also the beginning of the pastoral charge as now 
constituted, i. <?., the Whitemarsh and Upper Dublin congrega- 
tions. Then followed Rev. Benjamin C. Suesserott, 1856 to 1857 ; 
Rev. Lewis Hippee, 1857 to 1859; Rev. Edward J. Koons, i860 
to 1862; Rev. George Sill, 1863 to 1869; and Rev. Matthias 
Sheeleigh, D. D., April 27th, 1869, t0 tne present. 

There now remain two hundred and twenty names of living 
members in the Lutheran church-book. This congregation has 
never owned the needful convenience of a parsonage. The 
present pastor and family now live in their own house in the vil- 
lage of Fort Washington, being about half way between the 
churches, which are four miles apart. Within the last ten years 
this congregation has realized at least five bequests of several 
hundred dollars each. The ladies have for years been active in a 
local Home Missionary Society, in which both money and labor 
have been cheerfully given to needy churches, missionaries and 
orphans. 

Three ministers have gone out from the membership of the 
Union church : two Lutherans — Rev. William W. Bowers and 
Rev. William Tryday ; and one Reformed — Rev. William Sorber. 
These brethren have all been called hence, after doing good ser- 
vice for the Master. They died respectively in 1873, 1876 and 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 69 

1878, at the early ages of 48, 55 and 53 years. The body of the 
first named is buried here. 

About sixty years ago the Sunday-school was begun. Among 
its earlier superintendents were William Tryday and William W. 
Bowers, named as having become ministers. The school has 
generally been well attended. More good might, however, be 
hoped for if a special room for the school were provided, separate 
from the audience chamber. There are now reported as being 
in the school 13 teachers and 130 scholars enrolled. 

So far as the writer can learn, Lord's Day evening sendees were 
never regularly held before his own pastorship. The call, in an- 
swer to which he came to the pulpit, specifies only one service in 
two weeks for this congregation. Of his own free will he chose 
to afford evening preaching ; and now, after nearly a quarter of a 
century, it would not be willingly dispensed with in either of the 
"Union" congregations. 

In early years some of the church services were conducted in 
the German language ; but probably no regular German service 
has been thought necessary during the last 45 or 50 years, inas- 
much as the German is now scarcely known as a living tongue 
within ten or twelve miles, looking northward. 

We trust that spirituality is growing in the congregations of this 
charge. Within the last twenty years the grace of giving has also 
much increased. To the general call, beyond the local or home 
work, the response is returned with a noticeable readiness. 

2. Upper Dublin. 

This church is about four miles north from that of Whitemarsh. 
It also bears the name of a township. The neighborhood desig- 
nation, not yet extinct, is "Puff's Church," after Valentine Puff, 
who was an adjoining land-holder, and a member of the original 
congregation. Unlike the other church, this is wholly Lutheran. 
Good roads, some of which are turnpikes, connect the two places 
and cross the parochial field in different directions. 

The present congregation is of comparatively recent origin, 
although the inheritor of its site from a much earlier organization. 
That was purchased in the year 1753 by several Lutherans for a 
church, school-house and burial-ground. It lies a mile east of the 



70 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

new borough of Ambler, at the junction of the Butler turnpike 
and Susquehanna street. The latter highway runs southeast 
towards a point on the Delaware river above Philadelphia, pro- 
jected in colonial times, with a view of making direct communi- 
cation with the Susquehanna river, a hundred miles distant. But 
the road comes suddenly to an end a half mile north-west of the 
church. 

Numerous Germans having early settled in the vicinity, Rev. 
John Frederick Handschuh, then pastor at Germantown, ten 
miles southward, organized a congregation in 1753 or 1754, and 
continued services there until 1757. It is possible that he 
preached at this point a year or two previous. A church and 
school-house were erected. The church was a log structure, and 
the school-house was referred to as being "roomy." 

Dr. Henry M. Muhlenberg, then in Philadelphia, preached 
there several times, and in the Halle Reports refers to the con- 
gregation, under date of June 18, 1754. Dr. Muhlenberg, who 
had the general oversight for several years, sent his student, Wil- 
liam Kurtz, to serve this people for about a year, from 1757 to 
1758. Rev. John Helfrich Schaum then supplied the place from 
New Hanover, 1758 to 1762; Rev. Henry M. Muhlenberg, 
then served as pastor, 1762 to June, 1763 ; Rev. Nicholas Kurtz, 
of Germantown, 1763 to 1764; Rev. John Ludwig Voigt, of Ger- 
mantown, 1764 to 1765; Rev. Jacob Van Buskerk, of North 
Wales, 1765 to 1769; Rev. John Frederick Schmidt, 1769 to 
1785 ; Rev. Anthony Hecht, of Tohickon and North Wales, 1785 ; 
Rev. Jacob Van Buskerk again, 1785 to 1795; Rev. Henry A. 
Geissenhainer, 1797 to 1801 ; Rev. Frederick D. Schaeffer, of 
Germantown, 1801 to 18 10. About 1810, or soon after, the 
gospel ministrations ceased, the people having become scattered 
to other points, and few being left who appreciated the German 
language. In process of time, the church edifice decayed and 
disappeared. 

A generation later, steps were taken which resulted in the 
restoration of divine service and the organization of the present 
congregation. Chiefly through the efforts of the Hon. John B. 
Sterigere — then a prominent attorney at Norristown, and formerly 
a Congressman and a State Senator, whose kindred repose here — 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 7 1 

a charter was procured from the Legislature in 1852, making con- 
ditional provision for a Lutheran congregation at the old burial- 
ground, where his body also now rests. Previous to this, in 1835, 
a resident, Conrad Emig, had left by will six hundred and sixty- 
four dollars to secure protection to this cemetery. 

Religious services were resumed in 1852, in the public school- 
house opposite, and conducted with some degree of regularity 
until a church was built. In this work of initiating service, Rev. 
Wm. M. Baum, of Barren Hill, took part. In 1855, when 
Rev. David Swope came to Whitemarsh, the pastoral duties de- 
volved on him, as the congregations were now united as one 
pastorate, a relation still existing. 

The present comfortable house of worship, built of stone, with 
basement for Sunday-school, was begun in 1857. The corner- 
stone was laid October 15 of that year, and the dedicatory 
services were held July 18, 1858. The pastors, since the re- 
tirement of Rev. Mr. Swope in 1856, have been the same as at 
Whitemarsh. 

Commodious shedding. 200 feet in length, was built in 1867. 
In 1885, a small farm of 16 acres, immediately adjoining the 
early church property, was purchased. Five acres have been 
converted into a cemetery, known as Rose Hill Cemetery, making 
one of the most beautiful burial places. Many are now procur- 
ing lots. Our people in the city find this a very desirable and 
accessible place for the laying of their departed to rest. 

Later, the church edifice was neatly painted and otherwise 
renovated. At the same time, changes were made for removing 
the choir from the gallery to an angle near the pulpit, on the 
floor of the main audience room. 

At this date of writing, ninety-six persons are counted on the 
church-book as members entitled to communion. 

The church council is at present as follows : 

Trustees — Charles Houpt, Edwin H. Faust, Theodore Fleck ; 
Elders — John M. Rex, Frederick Pfitzenmeyer, Peter Weaver ; 
Deacons — Alvin B. Faust, Rudolph Dilthey, Thomas S. Gillin. 

Among former members and officers may be named John B. 
Rittenhouse, Daniel Rynear, William Webster, Daniel Gilbert, 
Henry Houpt, Adam W. Fleck, John Kuhler, Jacob Smith, Alvin 



72 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

D. Faust, Jacob W. Lenhart, William Beck, Charles Dilthey, 
James Doran, and others. 

The Sunday-school was organized September 30, 1858. It has 
generally been zealously conducted, and has produced effective 
results. In 1883, its 25th anniversary was celebrated with great 
interest, when a history of the school was written by Mrs. Dr. 
Hannah E. Wilson. The following have been superintendents : 
William Webster, Alvin D. Faust, Jacob W. Lenhart, Thomas S. 
Gillin, James Doran, and Samuel A. Faust. 

A helpful Ladies' Aid Society has been maintained in the 
church for several years past. On the decease of a late member 
of the congregation, the example of a handsome bequest to her 
church came to light. 

In both congregations, catechisation has been steadily main- 
tained as a preparation for full membership. 

Within these congregations, there are taken thirty copies of the 
Lutheran Observer, two hundred copies of the Lutheran Sunday- 
School Herald, twenty-five copies of the Augsburg Teacher, etc. 

At the pleasant village of Fort Washington, half-way between 
the two churches of this charge, a very promising Sunday-School 
was commenced in a Hall, December 21, 1890. It bears the 
designation Lutheran, and is under the superintendency of Mr. 
Howard S. Jones, formerly of Philadelphia. The school is not 
organically connected with the parish, but it is expected to se- 
cure, at an early day, the consent of the two congregations to the 
organizing of a church. 



VII. ZION'S CHURCH, HUMMELSTOWN, DAUPHIN CO. 

BY REV. H. G. SNYDER. 

There is no account, in the existing records of the church, of 
the organization of this congregation, but fortunately we can fix 
the date very closely from an old deed, bearing date June 24, 
1756. On that day Frederick and Rosina Hummel granted two 
lots of ground to the congregation. That it was regularly organ- 
ized prior to that date, is evident from the fact that the deed 
mentions a " church erected on a part of said lots" and the con- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 73 

veyance is made to " Theophilus England, then pastor," and the 
u representatives " of the congregation, Andrew Schrotle, Fred- 
erick Forster, Leonard Witmeyer, and Daniel Wunderlich. The 
centennial " History of Dauphin County," claimed to be '"a safe 
reference," is perhaps correct in the statement that the Lutheran 
church had " begun an enterprise in Hummelstown as early as 
1 753-" 

PASTORS. 

Theophilus Engelland was pastor in 1756. The next name that 
appears (only in the auditing of accounts) is that of Michael 
Enderlein, first mentioned in 1771, and running until 1778. 
William Kurtz was pastor from 1 781-1795. Then occurs an in- 
terval when the congregation "was without divine service and 
religious instruction " ; and there was great rejoicing and pros- 
perity, when, in 1804, John Frederick Ernst came among them. 
He was succeeded in 1807 by John Paul Ferdinand Kramer. 
John Henry VanhorT followed on June 23, 181 1. Here the 
congregation was probably without a pastor again for several 
years, or supplied from some other place. C. R. Demme took 
charge in June, 1819. On October 6, 1822, he was succeeded 
by Peter Scheurer. Henry G. Stecher became pastor December 
5, 1830, and continued for 24 years, when he was compelled to 
resign on account of the infirmities of age. George Haines was 
his successor, October 27, 1854. J. F. Probst followed Novem- 
ber 1, 1856. A. S. Link was elected to succeed him on Decem- 
ber 1, 1858, and remained until April 27, 1861. The next pastor 
was E. Huber, June 15, 1861. Peter Rizer was elected to fill 
the vacancy caused by Rev. Huber's resignation, October 27, 
1866, and served until January 1, 1873. P. S. Mack succeeded 
him on June 2, ^73. Then followed in order, J. H. Leeser, 
July r, T877, to April r, 1885 ; I. B. Crist, June r, 1885, to Janu- 
ary r, r89o; H. G. Snyder, June 1, r890, to the present time. 

CONNECTION WITH OTHER CHURCHES. 

There is no mention of any connection with other churches 
until the pastorate of Henry G. Stecher at Hummelstown, Shoop's, 
Sand Hill and Union Deposit. Shoop's church separated from 



74 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

the charge about 1850, the other three remaining longer. Since 
1873 Hummelstown has supported its own pastor. 

CHURCH PROPERTY. 

The first church was a log structure, said to have been com- 
pleted May 16, 1766. Having become too small, it was replaced, 
in 18 15, by a beautiful blue limestone building. After the new 
church was built, the old one was used as a school-house, but, 
owing to the carelessness of the teacher, it was destroyed by fire 
in December, 181 7. This second building was enlarged and re- 
modeled in 1855, at a cost of over $4,000, the church being con- 
verted into an audience room above and a Sunday-school room 
below. Drs. Krotel and Hay preached the dedication sermons. 
The Sunday-school rooms were again remodeled and the church 
renovated at a cost of $306.35, and re-opened for divine service 
May 25. 

On June 18, 1891, the congregation decided to erect a new 
church. Plans and specifications were secured from J. A. Demp- 
wolf, architect. York, Pa., and the work was begun in October. 
The corner-stone was laid November 29, Dr. McKnight preach- 
ing the sermon. The entire building is of Hummelstown brown- 
stone, contains main auditorium, Sunday-school, infant class, 
Bible class and library rooms all on one floor, main auditorium 
carpeted throughout, cathedral glass windows, heated with steam 
and lighted by electricity. It will be dedicated January 22, 1893. 

Prior to 1857, the pastors lived either in their own or in rented 
homes, but in this year a handsome, commodious brick parsonage 
was erected on the lot of ground owned by the congregation, on 
Main street. This was removed in October, 1891, to the rear of 
the same lot, fronting on Rosina street, in order to make room 
for the new church building, which now occupies one of the most 
eligible sites in the town. 

ORGANIZATIONS AND BRANCHES OF CHURCH WORK. 

The church council consists of the pastor, who is ex officio 
chairman, three trustees, four elders and four deacons. The 
congregation is divided into three districts, with representation in 
the council in proportion to size. Council meets quarterly in 
regular session, but very frequently for special work. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 75 

The Sunday-school existed as far back as 1830, but it was a 
union school, conducted in the German language, on the order of 
the week-day school. It met with violent opposition, the country 
members strongly objecting to its being held in the church, on 
which account it was disbanded after a few years. It was re- 
organized in a school-house in 1837. In 1842 it was again taken 
into the church and conducted in a more modern way. 

The remodeling of the church in 1855 created the desire and 
furnished the opportunity for a distinctively Lutheran school, 
which was accordingly organized. Henry L. Hummel was its 
first superintendent, and continued in office until 1872. His suc- 
cessors and their terms were as follows : Frank C. Earnest, from 
1872-1874 ; Geo. I. Hummel, 1874-1875 ; Dr. Jacob Shope, 1875- 
1880; H. J. Hummel, 1880-1882 ; Dr. Charles H. Clark, 1882- 
1888; C. P. Haehnlen, 1888-1892; and L. W. Ebersole, the 
present incumbent. It has an Officers' and Teachers' Associ- 
ation, which holds monthly meetings for business and discussion 
of Sunday-school work, and a weekly teachers' Bible class, con- 
ducted by the pastor. 

The Ladies' Aid Society was organized in 1875, an d pledged 
to work "for the good of the church at home and abroad." In 
January, 1881, the "Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary 
Society " was organized. In 1882 it reported 45 active and 5 
honorary members, and contributed $25. In the course of time 
the society was disbanded, but on September 18, 1889, it was re- 
organized with its original title and object. 

On September 5, 1890, a Society of Christian Endeavor was 
organized, and now numbers 40 active and 22 associate members. 
The society contributes $25 annually to Foreign Missions, raised 
by the " two cents a week " plan. 

So far as the writer has been able to learn, but one minister 
has gone out from this congregation, the Rev. John A. Earnest, 
D. D. 

The congregation now numbers about 200 communicant mem- 
bers, and is well organized and equipped for efficient service. 



76 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

VIII. UNION DEPOSIT CHARGE, DAUPHIN CO.— SAND 

HILL, SANDY HOLLOW, UNION DEPOSIT, 

HOERNERSTOWN. 

by rev. j. m. deitzler, assisted by rev. w. h. lewars and 
rev. a. wieting. 

t. Sand Hill Church. 

As early as 1756, this congregation possessed a house of wor- 
ship, known as the " Berg Kirche," in Derry township. It stood 
upon the Sand Hills, two miles southeast of Hummelstown, near 
the present location of the brownstone quarries. It was sur- 
rounded by a fine grove of chestnut and oak trees, on an un- 
frequented public road, and stood until 1875, a period of one 
hundred and nineteen years. The present building is of red 
sandstone, with a small belfry. The old communion-set, pre- 
sented by Ulrich Hubscher and Wendel Poh, has been in use for 
one hundred and seventeen years. Articles of incorporation 
were drawn in 1891, the following being trustees at that time : 
Jacob Books, Michael Hall, John Bender, John Walty, John 
Fuhrman, Anthony Beersley, Philip Beersley, Henry States, 
Thomas Smith. 

Eleven persons communed at Easter in 181 2. There are now 
thirty-five communicant members. The congregation owns some 
fifteen acres of land adjoining the church, and a good sexton's 
house. 

The church was generally served by the pastors who ministered 
at Hummelstown, until the formation, in 1873, °f tne Union De- 
posit charge, with which it has since been connected. 

2. Sandy Hollow Church. 

In the year 1844, Mr. John Diller, a tanner, residing at Sandy 
Hollow, extended an invitation to Rev. A. Wieting, of Middle- 
town, to preach in the school-house at the former place. The 
invitation was accepted, and services conducted every two weeks 
for two years, beginning with August, 1844. In 1846 a neat little 
church, 35x50 feet, was erected, the location being on the Jones- 
town road, nine miles east of Harrisburg, in West Hanover town- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 77 

ship. After holding a protracted meeting in the new building, 
the pastor organized a congregation with 33 members. After 
preaching for about eight years longer, Rev. Wieting was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Wm. G. Laitzle, who served as supply from 1852- 
1854. The succeeding pastors have been : G. J. Martz, 1855- 
1868; H. D. Kutz, 1869-1871; E. Daron, 1872-1875 ; E. S. 
Brownmiller, 1875-1881; G. J. Martz, 1882-1883 ; A.K.Zim- 
merman, 1 885-1 887 ; J. A. Danner, 1887 ; J. M. Deitzler, 1890 
to the present time. 

A new tin roof was put upon the building last year, and the in- 
terior neatly papered and carpeted. The congregation now 
numbers about forty members. 

3. St. John's Church, Union Deposit. 

This is a union church. Its constitution was adopted Novem- 
ber 29, 1847, an d is signed by the following persons representing 
the Lutheran congregation : Geo. Keplinger, David Ramler, 
Conrad Wagner, Jacob Hocker, David Berst. The corner-stone 
was laid in the same year. The congregation has been served 
by the following pastors : Lewis G. Eggers, 1 847-1 85 2 ; Wm. G. 
Laitzle, 1852-1854; George Haines, 1854-1856 ; A. S. Link, 
1858-1861; Eli Huber, l86i-i866 ; Peter Rizer, 1866-1873. 
Up to this time the congregation was a part of the Hummelstown 
pastorate. Since then, the following pastors have served : E. S. 
Brownmiller, 1874-1881 ; Geo. J. Martz, (supply) 1882-1883 ; 
A. K. Zimmerman, 1885-1887. After the resignation of the last- 
named pastor, the charge was served for a brief period by Rev. 
John A. Danner, who was conditionally received into the East 
Pennsylvania Synod from the Reformed Church, but has since 
gone back to his first love. Rev. J. M. Deitzler became pastor 
in June, 1890. The congregation is now, after a long period of 
discouragement, in a hopeful condition, numbering 63 communi- 
cant members. 

4. St. John's Church, Hoernerstown. 

This congregation, organized in August, 1891, was admitted to 
Synod at its session in September of the same year, and added to 



78 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

the Union Deposit Charge. It has a substantial and energetic 
membership, forty in number, a fine new church, and a growing 
Sunday-school. 



IX. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, ALLENTOWN. 

BY REV. J. A. SINGMASTER. 

The oldest Lutheran congregation in the vicinity of Allentown, 
and probably in Lehigh county, is known as the Salzburg (Salis- 
bury) church. Its first edifice, presumably of logs, was built as 
early as 174 1. 

In 1762 Allentown, then called Northampton, is said to have 
been laid out by James Allen. In the same year the Lutherans 
and Reformed erected a building of 1 gs to serve as a church and 
probably also as a school-house. This building stood in the rear 
of the lot where Zion's Reformed church now stands. 

The first Lutheran pastor was John Joseph Roth, who had been 
a Roman Catholic Studiosus and was from Siegen in Germany. 
In December, 1761, pastor Roth was in charge of the Indian field 
and Old Goschenhoppen congregation. December 8th he visited 
Muhlenberg and stated that he had tendered his resignation at 
Indianfield and accepted charge of Upper Milford, and desired 
to be received into the Ministerium. At the meeting of the Min- 
isterium June 28, 1762, at Philadelphia, delegates from Indian- 
field appeared, bringing with them their pastor Roth, and applied 
for his examination in order to his being received into the Min- 
isterium. He was examined as to doctrine, earnestly admon- 
ished, and asked to await a future decision as to his admission 
into the Ministerium after a fuller acquaintance. The decision 
was received by him with tears and deep emotion. December 
15, 1762, Upper Milford wrote to Muhlenberg that they desired 
to have Mr. Roth as their pastor ; that he now for some time had 
preached to them, that they had knowledge of his doctrine and 
life, and that they desired him to unite with the Ministerium. In 
his answer dated January 3, 1763, Muhlenberg urges them to 
unite with the little congregation at the School-house, and as 
Upper Saucon had become vacant by the removal of Friederici 




ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ALLENTOWN, PA. 
(79) 



8o EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

beyond the Blue Mountains, they should unite and make provi- 
sion for the support of a pastor, who should reside among them. 

So John Joseph Roth became pastor of the Upper Milford, 
Saucon and Allentown Congregations, retaining also Indianfield. 

At the meeting of the Ministerium in Philadelphia, October 16, 
1763, delegates were present from Saucon and Indianfield. It is 
said that none came from Allentown and Upper Milford through 
fear of attacks by the Indians. A letter was read from Upper 
Milford, commending Mr. Roth for his purity of life and his zeal 
in official duty, and one from the inhabitants of Allenstown in 
Hamton county, who desire that Mr. Roth may be recognized 
and approved as their pastor. The question of receiving Dia- 
conus Roth into full membership with the Ministerium was care- 
fully considered, Monday, October 17, 1763; the delegates were 
examined as to the desire of the congregations, to which they 
testified. He was then received, after needful admonition, into 
full membership, each minister giving him his hand and hearty 
wish for God's blessings upon him. This is the first mention of 
Allentown and its Lutheran congregration by name in the Hal- 
lesche Nachrichten, in October, 1763. 

Unfortunately, the services of Roth as pastor did not continue 
long, as he died, and was buried May 13, 1764, at Upper Saucon 
church*. 

From 1764, after the death of pastor Roth, until the close of 
1769, the four congregations of the charge to which Allentown be- 
longed were vacant and dependent on occasional visits from 
neighboring clergymen. 

In 1769, towards the close of the year, these congregations, with 
the addition of Macungie, obtained the services of Rev. Jacob Van 
Buskerk, the great-grandfather of the present pastor. Dr. Van 
Buskerk was born at Hackensack, N. J., in 1739. At the age of 
twenty he became a member of Muhlenberg's family in order to be 
prepared for the ministry. He became Muhlenberg's assistant, was 
ordained in 1763, and became pastor of the above-named 
churches in 1769. He remained pastor until 1778. He served 
the Macungie church, with a short intermission, until near his de- 
cease, which occurred in 1801 at Upper Dublin, where his re- 
mains lie buried. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 8 1 

In 1773 the Reformed withdrew from the union church, having 
built a church of their own. The Lutherans occupied the log 
church until 1794. 

After the resignation of Rev. Van Buskerk, the congregation was 
apparently without a pastor for several years. 

In the Protocol of the Ministerium for 1781, Allentown has 
become connected with Dry Lands, Irish Settlement and Indian- 
land. These congregations then applied to the Synod for a pas- 
tor. The answer was that the Ministerium regrets the want of 
pastors and requests neighboring pastors to visit them as often as 
possible, preaching and administering the sacraments, and ad- 
vises the congregations to select lay-readers capable of conduct- 
ing the kinderlehre and leading the singing. 

In 1783 John Christian Leps attended the meeting of the Min- 
isterium as pastor at Allentown, and the place is mentioned as 
giving name to a pastorate. It is probable therefore that he re- 
sided here. Mr. Leps was a native of Denmark, and had resided 
in the Danish West India islands. He arrived in Philadelphia in 

1773. He was a man of scholarly attainments, and was engaged 
by Dr. Kunze as teacher of a Seminary which he endeavored to 
establish. The Seminary failed, and Mr. Leps was ordained upon 
a call from Loonenburg, now Athens, New York, and in July, 

1774, he removed thither. In 1778 he was still in New York, but 
longed to return to Pennsylvania. It is not known how long he 
remained at Allentown — not over seven years at most. 

In one of the venerable church records occurs the name of Rev. 
Carl Christoph Goetz, "a native of Worms." His' first entry bears 
the date of November, 1785 ; the last June 8, 1788. This is all 
that is known of him. 

In the list of ministers present at the Synod in 1793 is the name 
of Joseph Wichterman, among the licensed candidates ; his resi- 
dence is given as Allen township. The congregations of each 
charge are given, and he has charge of Allentown and the church 
in Hanover township, with 123 communicants. He was received 
into the Ministerium in 1791, upon an application from Bedmin- 
ster, New Jersey. He left Allentown at the time of the meeting 
of the Synod. 

In 1793 George Frederick Ellisen, a candidate from Germany, 



82 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

was examined and licensed as a candidate to have charge of 
Upper Milford, Upper Saucon, Salisbury and Allentown. In 
1795 Steiner's church is added to this charge. In 1796 his name 
was on the roll but he was not at Synod; in 1797 it disappears 
from the roll, and his license, not having been renewed, expired. 

In 1794, during the pastorate of Licentiate Ellisen, the old 
log church was abandoned and the erection of a larger stone 
structure begun on the site of the present St. Paul's. From the 
accounts kept by the treasurer, Leonard Nagle, we glean the fol- 
lowing interesting particulars. For the first time the record is 
made in English and that quite readable. The trustees were 
John Horn, John Roth, Peter Hartz and Henry Shantz. The 
corner-stone was laid June 24, 1794. The consecration took 
place September 4, 1795. The cost was nearly 1300 pounds 
sterling. Building was expensive at that time. Day laborers re- 
ceived from five to six shillings a day. Pine boards were $22 per 
thousand feet. Nails cost n pence (22 cents) per pound. 
About $230 were expended for this item alone. " The old church 
was sold to Valentine Fatzinger at vendue for 17 pounds." The 
treasurer credits himself with six shillings and nine pence u for 
Rum at Raising" ! ! ^99 were collected toward the new church 
by Philip Klotz and Andrew Young, at Philadelphia. The indebt- 
edness in March, 1 79 7, was about ^300. 

In the year 1800 Rev. John Conrad Jaeger became pastor of 
St. Paul's. His charge consisted of Christ church, Hanover, 
where he lived, Dry Lands, Friedens in Saucon, and Allentown. 

In each of his four churches Mr. Jaeger preached once in four 
weeks on Sunday morning, and while he was pastor there was 
never any service at night in Allentown. The salary paid Mr. 
Jaeger by the Allentown church was $100. Mr. Jaeger retained 
charge of these four churches until 1831, but his son, Joshua, was 
licensed to preach in 1827, and assisted his father in his whole 
charge until 1831, when the father resigned charge of Allentown 
and Friedens church, of which his son became pastor. 

Allentown in 1830 was a town of 1500 inhabitants, but the 
opening of navigation on the Lehigh and the supply of water to 
the town gave a fresh impulse to its growth, and it was felt by 
pastors and congregation that there must be a resident pastor and 






SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 83 

more frequent services. When, therefore, Rev. Joshua Jaeger 
was elected as pastor, he settled in town, and soon offered to 
preach every other Sunday morning. His call only required ser- 
vices once in four weeks and offered $100 as salary. His proposal 
was accepted and the salary increased to $150. In 1832, how- 
ever, the father died and the son was elected in the other two 
churches ; he could, therefore, no longer preach oftener than once 
in four weeks in the morning, but he proposed to preach on two 
Sunday evenings in each four weeks. This arrangement was 
made and remained unaltered throughout the whole time of his 
ministry, and the salary, $175, also remained unaltered. 

In 1834 a Sunday-school was established by members of the 
Lutheran and Reformed congregations. In its establishment Mr. 
Jaeger took a very active part, going around from house to house, 
and urging his members to send their children. The school met 
in the Lutheran church until the completion of the Reformed 
church, in the erection of which a room was provided for the 
school, when, in 1839, the school was removed to its new quarters. 
In September, 1856, the school separated, each organizing anew 
in their respective churches. 

The rapid growth of the town made it apparent to Mr. Jaeger 
that St. Paul's must have a pastor for itself and one who could 
preach in English as well as in German. Therefore, on Easter, 
April n, 1852, at the close of the morning service, he presented 
his resignation, to take effect immediately. 

Upon the resignation of Rev. Jaeger, the congregation, by the 
advice of the Synod, called two pastors, one for the German por- 
tion, the other for the English. The former secured the services 
of Rev. Jacob Vogelbach ; the latter those of Rev. Beale M. 
Schmucker. They both came in October, 1852. Rev. Vogel- 
bach took charge also of the congregations which nearly a cent- 
ury before had been connected with Allentown. Hence he could 
preach only every other Sunday morning, but oftener at night, at 
St. Paul's. The English pastor thus occupied the pulpit at about 
half the regular services. " The contrast however between the 
audiences was very great, 1 ' says Schmucker in an "Historical 
Discourse " delivered at the twenty-fifth anniversary of St. John's. 
"The earnestness and pulpit power of Mr. Vogelbach, then in 



84 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

the vigor of his best days, attracted crowded audiences. The 
English audiences were very small." But the work grew, so that 
early in 1854 measures were taken for the erection of a church, 
the corner-stone of which was laid June 25. The consecration of 
the new St. John's English Lutheran church took place May 6, 

1855- 

While St. John's was in process of erection, plans for building 
a new St. Paul's were maturing. By the 21st of May, 1854, a 
committee reported that $7100 had been subscribed. The final 
service was held in the old church on Easter, 1855. The name 
St. Paul's was adopted for the new church May 27, 1855, tne 
former name having been "the German Evangelical Lutheran 
church." The cost of the edifice was about $15,000. It was 
consecrated September 21, 1856, Drs. Mann and Hutter of Phila- 
delphia, the Moravian bishop Wolle, of Bethlehem, and Rev. 
Dubs, of the Reformed Church, assisting the pastor, Rev. Vogel- 
bach. The latter terminated a popular and successful pastorate 
in February, 1857. His salary had been $300 from St. Paul's. 

Immediately after the resignation of Mr. Vogelbach, the con- 
gregation determined to separate from the country churches and, 
for the first time in its history, support a pastor alone. Rev. A. 
T. Geissenhainer became pastor at a salary of $800, in the spring 
of 1857, and terminated his pastorate in August, 1858. 

Rev. Wm. G. Mennig, of Pottsville, was elected as the next 
pastor , in January, 1859, at a stipulated salary of $600, which, how- 
ever, was raised after some years to $1000. He took charge in 
February. His preaching produced a deep spiritual impression, 
resulting in a genuine revival of religion. The " revival meetings," 
however, did not receive the endorsement of a considerable 
number of the members, who stigmatized these special services as 
"new measures." The minority, moreover, secured the unwar- 
ranted interference of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. This in 
due time induced the pastor and the church to sever their connec- 
tion with that body, and to unite with the Synod of East Penn- 
sylvania, the latter in 1872, the former in the year following. 

But they were not suffered to go in peace. Their opponents 
instituted legal proceedings for the possession of the property, 
chiefly on the ground that the East Pennsylvania Synod was not 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 85 

truly Lutheran. In a bitter, long, expensive and now classic 
trial, St. Paul's, the East Pennsylvania Synod and the General 
Synod were completely vindicated hy favorable decisions in the 
local and in the Supreme Court of the State. The losers imme- 
diately (in 1875) organized St. Michael's church, which is now 
large and prosperous. 

During Mr. Mennig's pastorate previous to 1873, the congre- 
gation had attained a membership of about 750. He reported 
400 when he united with the East Pennsylvania Synod. Advanc- 
ing years and the need of English services prompted him to re- 
sign in the Spring of 1877, after a pastorate of eighteen years. 
He remained a member of St. Paul's until his decease, frequently 
supplying its pulpit and that of other churches. He died July 
15, 1887. 

The action of a congregational meeting in October, 1877, au- 
thorizing the use of English in the Sunday evening service, marks 
another era in the history of St. Paul's. The use of German at 
the morning and English at the evening service still continues, to 
the satisfaction of all concerned. The Sunday-school, however, 
has become English, excepting a large German Bible-class. 

Rev. Charles E. Hay began a successful pastorate on Decem- 
ber 1, 1877. The membership increased from 400 to 608 ; and 
the Sunday-school numbered 660 according to the pastor's last 
synodical report, in 1889. Various new societies were estab- 
lished and benevolence stimulated. A debt of $4200 was paid 
during the early years. In 1884 a splendid new pipe organ was 
purchased at a cost of $3000. In 1889 a commodious parsonage 
was erected, costing, together with the lot, about $5000. Nearly 
$42,000 were contributed for all purposes during the twelve years 
of his pastorate. On February 10, 1890, he resigned, and, with 
the cooperation of 133 members who withdrew from St. Paul's, 
founded St. Matthew's Lutheran church. Quite a large number 
of scholars from the Sunday-school also accompanied them. 

The present pastor, Rev. J. A. Singmaster, took charge May y, 
1890. St. Paul's again manifested its recuperative power in re- 
covering from the depletion of its ranks. Beginning with 366 
members, it has increased to over 450. The Sunday-school 
numbers 600. In less than three years, almost $13,000 have been 



86 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

raised for all purposes. The principal improvements made con- 
sist of the entire remodeling of the Sunday-school rooms, the 
introduction of steam heating into the church, and the laying of a 
new sidewalk ; all of which cost nearly $ 2,000. The parsonage 
debt has also been canceled. The outlook is promising. 

The property of the congregation consists of St. Paul's church, 
an imposing two-story brick edifice of gothic architecture. It is 
surmounted by a steeple 190 feet in height, containing a tower- 
clock and two bells, the larger of which is noted for the sweetness 
and strength of its tone. The auditorium contains galleries on 
three sides and seats over 800 people. The lower story is de- 
voted to the Sunday-school and is divided into four rooms, sepa- 
rated by sliding partitions. About a square south of the church, 
on South Eighth street, stands the parsonage, a fine ten-room 
house with modern conveniences. 

During the last forty years four new congregations have gone 
forth from St. Paul's. Two others have been founded in the city, 
making seven Lutheran churches in Allentown. Probably a third 
of the population is Lutheran. Two of the churches use the Eng- 
lish language exclusively in their services ; the rest both English 
and German. 

In the preparation of this sketch the writer has availed himself 
of Dr. Schmucker's "Historical Discourse," which traces the his- 
tory of St. Paul's with more or less accuracy as far as 1855. 



X. HAMILTON CHARGE, MONROE CO.— HAMILTON, 

ST. MARK'S, TANNERSVILLE, ST. JOHN'S, BROD- 

HEADSVILLE, MT. ETON. 

BY REV. R. H. CLARE. 

i. Christ's Church, Hamilton Township. 
The history of the Lutheran and Reformed congregations, now 
worshiping in Christ's Union church, Hamilton township, Mon- 
roe county, according to the old German records on hand, dates 
back to 1 768, although, judging from the large number of com- 
municants then already gathered, it would appear that the Luth- 
eran congregation must have existed long before this. A baptis- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 87 

mal record is on hand bearing date of 1 763, in the handwriting 
of the Rev. J. A. Friedricus (Friederici). A communion 
record of the same year contains the name of the mother of the 
child of the above record. From this and other evidences on 
hand it would appear that an effort was made as early at least as 
1763 (we may assume much earlier) to organize the Lutherans 
into a congregation in this section of Monroe (then Northampton) 
county. The first evidences of a permanent organization do not 
appear till 1768. That year finds thirty-seven names enrolled as 
communicants, and the following year seventy-three, of whom 
fifteen were catechumens. 

In 1775 trns congregation, as well as its sister of the Reformed 
denomination, had assumed fair proportions, and in that year 
three acres of land were secured to build thereon "a church and 
school house and for a burial place." One acre of this land was 
presented by Philip Bossard, of the Reformed church, one acre 
by George Hartlieb, a member of the Lutheran church, and one 
acre was purchased by the congregations. A log church and 
school house were erected the same year, and prosperity seems to 
have attended their projects. The relations between the two 
congregations seem to have been harmonious, and there was a 
steady growth of membership and also an accumulation of wealth. 
In 1820 the congregations owned several hundred acres of land, 
which was sold, the proceeds being devoted to the erection of a 
new church. 

Plans were completed in 1829, when the congregation erected 
their new edifice. This new church, a large stone structure, 
was dedicated November 6 and 7, 1830, by the pastors, the Rev. 
J. B. Gross, of the Lutheran church, and the Rev. H. L. Hoffe- 
ditz, of the Reformed church. The church cost $3,690.91. 

The Lutheran congregation was chartered by the State in 181 6, 
and owns a parsonage and sixteen acres of land near the church. 
The present parsonage was built in 1837, and extensively repaired 
in 1883. 

The Hamilton church is properly called the " mother church" 
in this county, no less than six congregations in different parts of 
the county having been organized by those who at one time were 
members of this congregation. 



55 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

The present membership is two hundred and forty. 

The following is a list ot the pastors who have served this con- 
gregation from its organization till the present time : 

Revs. J. A. Friederici, 1 763-1 790; Frank Niemyer, 1790- 
1803; Chas. F. Endress, 1803-1805 ; C. Diehl, 1805-1810; J. 
Colson, 1810-1812; P. Rupert, 1812-1818; H. Kurtz, 1818- 
1823; P. Rupert (second term), 1823-1828 ; J. B. Gross, 
1828-41; Geo. Heilig, 1841-1857; S. S. Kline, 1858-1860; 
H. Seifert, 1860-1869; J. R. Focht, 1869-1874; Geo. Roths, 
1874-1882 ; R. H. Clare, 1882-1892 ; Cyrus E. Held, 1892. 

2. St. Mark's Church, Jackson Township. 

St. Mark's Lutheran and Reformed church is located in Jack- 
son township. The Lutheran congregation was organized about 
1830, and the Rev. Joseph B. Gross was its first pastor. He was 
followed in regular succession by the pastors of the Hamilton 
charge, interrupted only by the brief pastorate of Rev. A. Rumpf, 
in 1857-8. 

In 1 85 1 Peter Woodling donated the land, and the new church 
was built. The present number of Lutheran communicants is 
sixty-five. 

3. St. Paul's, Tannersville. 

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church of Tannersville was 
erected in 1834 upon land deeded to a board of trustees elected 
by the " inhabitants of Tannersville," and the building and 
grounds were to be used for church purposes forever. The Lu- 
theran and Reformed congregations conjointly erected the build- 
ing, and no other denominations have ever worshiped in it. 
The Lutheran congregation was organized some time previous, and 
had been worshiping in a school-house. Rev. Joseph Gross 
was its first pastor, and ministered to the congregation until 
1836. He was in turn succeeded by the following clergymen: 
Rev. George Heilig, who remained ten years, Rev. Jacob Rumpf, 
one year, Rev. S. S. Kline, Rev. Llenry Seifert, Rev. Joseph B. 
Focht. 

During the pastorate of the Rev. J. B. Focht the congregation 
severed its connection with the Hamilton charge and united 
with a charge under the General Council. The cause of this 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 89 

separation was the " new measures " introduced by the pas- 
tor of the Hamilton charge. From 1869 to 1883 this congrega- 
tion remained in connection with the Ministerium of Pennsyl- 
vania, being served by Rev. J. H. Fritz as supply for the six 
months preceding Easter, 1873, and by Rev. A. M. Strauss from 
1875 to 188:. 

During the pastorate of Rev. R. H. Clare at Hamilton, this 
congregation again united with the Hamilton charge of the Synod 
of East Pennsylvania of the General Synod. Rev. R. H. Clare 
was pastor from 1883 till July, 1892, when Rev. Cyrus E. Held 
became pastor of the Hamilton charge, which includes this con- 
gregation. The church is a "union church," and the Reformed 
and Lutheran denominations worship in it upon alternate Sab- 
baths. The present number of Lutheran communicants is one 
hundred and twenty-five. 

4. St. John's, Bartonsville — Hamilton Charge. 

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church is located about one 
mile south of Bartonsville. The congregation was organized 
about 1 841, and the Rev. George Heilig was its first pastor. The 
church building was erected upon ground deeded to the Luth- 
eran and United Presbyterian congregations. The latter body, 
however, never worshiped regularly in the church which was 
shortly after erected, and principally by Lutherans. The Luth- 
eran congregation has had continuous worship in the church 
erected about 1841, and has since its organization maintained its 
connection with the East Pennsylvania Synod of the General 
Synod. 

The church building having become too small for the use of the 
congregation and very much out of repair, ground was broken in 
the spring of 1892 for a new church building. The corner-stone 
of the new edifice was laid June 5, 1892, by Rev. R. H. 
Clare, according to the usage of the Lutheran church, and it is 
hoped that the new church will be ready for dedication before the 
close of 1892. This congregation has since its organization been 
regularly served by the pastors of the Hamilton charge. The 
present membership of this congregation is one hundred and 
forty. 



90 east pennsylvania synod. 

5. Brodheadsville Church. 

During the pastorate of Rev. Henry Seifert in the Hamil- 
ton church, a Lutheran congregation was organized at Brodheads- 
ville. Through the efforts of C. D. Brodhead, the sum of sixteen 
hundred dollars was raised in i860, and a union church was built 
for the use of the Lutheran and Reformed denominations. 
Rev. Henry Seifert served this congregation (organized in i860) 
with great acceptance till 1.869, since which time it has been reg- 
ularly ministered to by the pastors of the Hamilton charge. The 
present Lutheran membership is one hundred and thirty. The 
estimated value of the church property of the two congregations 
is $3,800. 

Located about one mile from the church is " Fairview Acad- 
emy," under Lutheran control. This academy was planned and 
built in the spring and summer of 1 881, by Prof, (now Rev.) 
George G. Kunkle. The first session opened with sixty students. 
Prof. T. H. Serfass at present has charge of the institution, which 
is doing a good work for our church, several of its graduates hav- 
ing entered the Lutheran ministry. 

6. Mount Eton Church. 

This church is located in Ross township, Monroe county, Pa., 
and is the joint property of the Lutheran and Reformed denomi- 
nations. The Lutheran congregation was organized in 1884 by 
the Rev. R. H. Clare, then, pastor of the Hamilton Charge. Rev. 
Clare served this congregation from 1884 to 1892. The Rev. 
Cyrus E. Held took charge July 1, 1S92. The present member- 
ship is about sixty. The church property owned by the congre- 
gation is worth $5,000. 



XL ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, ARDMORE, MONTGOMERY CO. 

BY REV. M. COOVER. 

In a country home in Lower Merion, on the 1 7th day of Octo- 
ber, 1765, three male infants received the sacrament of holy bap- 
tism. From this recorded ministerial act dates the history of St. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 9 1 

Paul's Lutheran church of Ardmore. Who performed this sacred 
rite and ministered in spiritual things to the small community of 
Christian believers, no record tells us. No church building shel- 
tered the worshipers. Tn some house on or very near the present 
cemetery grounds was heard the German choral and the story of 
the gospel told to listening Christians of the Lutheran faith in the 
language of their beloved Reformer. The only information 
which can be secured concerning the first acts of this organized 
band of earnest Christians has its source in a recorded purchase 
of land with a dwelling house to be used for a place of public 
worship and a plot for the burial of their dead. 

At sheriff's sale, September 3, 1765, sixty-six and three-fourths 
acres of land were purchased by Mr. John Hughes, and sold 
in the following month to a committee of six men to furnish a lo- 
cation for a church. By agreement on the part of the committee, 
the dwelling house located upon this purchased property was to 
be used for an Evangelical Lutheran Church "as long as the sun 
and moon endure," and six acres of the tract were to be reserved 
for a cemetery. Should the congregation become able by sale of 
the remaining land or by contributions to build a church, the 
dwelling house was again to be used as a place of residence. The 
congregation however failed to pay for the tract, and in 1769 the 
committee of purchasers sold it to Stephen Goodman, who in turn 
conveyed 133 perches to a committee of four trustees, himself 
being one of the number. This property was to remain " in trust 
for the religious society of people called Lutherans, of Merion 
and adjacent townships, for the purpose of erecting thereon one 
or more churches, or places of religious worship, and as a place 
for interring the members of the Lutheran congregation, or such 
persons as they may direct." An organization was no doubt ef- 
fected in the year 1765, which authorized the committee to make 
the purchase of land in view of erecting a church ; and the dwell- 
ing located on this property served as a place of worship from 
October, 1765, until 1769, when the first church, a humble log 
building, was erected. There is no history of the dedicatory ser- 
vice, nor of officiating clergy. From the time of its organization 
until 1830 the congregation was supplied with spiritual ministra- 
tions chiefly by ministers of the Germantown pastorate. 



92 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

The first recorded public services are indicated simply by a mem- 
orandum of collections and infant baptisms. From this we learn 
that there was preaching on Thursday, Christmas-day, 1766, and 
also on the following Sabbath. The first stated communion was 
administered September 22, 1767, to forty-three communicants. 
Services of similar nature were no doubt held previous to this, 
but no record was kept. The officiating clergyman at the dedi- 
cation of the first church building, 1769 or 1770, was probably 
Rev. Mr. Van Buskerk of the Germantown pastorate, or his suc- 
cessor, the Rev. John Frederick Schmidt. Succeeding the minis- 
tration of these in the Merion pastorate were Revs. Henry Miller 
and John Weinland. During the services of the latter in the year 
1787, the same in which the revered Henry Melchior Muhlen- 
berg passed to his final rest, the stone school-house was built 
which now serves for chapel and vault in the cemetery. The 
church, in an interesting debit account with the builders, in addi- 
tion to obligations for hauling stone and sand, shows itself debtor 
" to Christopher Tomiller for one day's digging foundation and 
quart of rum, 5 shillings and 9 pence." In those good old days 
the workmen wanted to be in good spirits while engaged in such 
sacred duties. 

In 1790 Rev. Frederick D. Schaeffer, D. D., began his work in 
Germantown, continuing in the pastorate for 22 years. During 
his associated work in Lower Merion, the second church was 
dedicated in the summer of 1 800. The old log church was torn 
away and a stone building was erected in conjunction with the 
school-house built 13 years before. During the last 12 years of 
Dr. Schaeffer's ministry in Germantown there were no regular ser- 
vices nor sacramental ministrations in the Lower Merion pastor- 
ate. A transition of language from German to English was taking 
place, which made demands for English preaching which could 
not be supplied. Until the year 1799 the meagre church record 
was written In German, and for twelve subsequent years the re- 
cord is partly in the German and partly in the English language, 
until the latter became the prevailing tongue. 

From 1810 to 1828 there was no pastor. The pulpit was filled 
occasionally by Rev. J. C. Baker, who succeeded Dr. Schaeffer, 
and also by ministers of other denominations. The recorded 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 93 

names are : Rev. Casper Wach, Rev. Dr. Runkel, of the German 
Reformed church, Dr. Ely, Presbyterian, of Philadelphia, who 
sent as pulpit supplies several students receiving theological in- 
struction under him, Rev. Wm. Bishop, Presbyterian, and Rev. 
H. G. Jones, D. D., of the Lower Merion Baptist church, who 
served from 1826 to 1828. Mr. Chas. Kugler then invited Rev. 
B. Keller, of Germantowm, to minister here, and together with 
Rev. C. P. Krauth, D. D., from St. Matthew's, Philadelphia, and 
Rev. C. F. Schaeffer, then a student under his father, the pastor- 
ate was supplied from 1828 to 1830. In 1830 Rev. Jeremiah 
Harpel came, the first regular pastor, officiating at the same time 
in Cohansey and living in Francisville. During his ministry the 
third church building was erected, a stone edifice of humble pro- 
portions on the site of the old building. The corner-stone was 
laid May 14, 1833, at which service the church received its name, 
St. Paul's. Drs. Mayer, Krauth, Demme, and Rev. B. Keller 
were present, together with the pastor. On Nov. 24 of the same 
year, the church was dedicated, the sermon being preached by 
Rev. Mr. Wolle of the Moravian church. 

Rev. J. Harpel resigned in 1834, having served four years. 
Succeeding him were Mark Harpel, his brother, serving for a few 
months, Charles Barnitz, the first pastor residing in this pastorate 
and serving four and one-half years, and Edward Town, two and 
one-half years. 

From 1842 to 1844 there was no settled pastor. During this 
period Rev. S. D. Finckel, of Germantown, preached occasionally. 
In April, 1844, the property of the church was increased by a pur- 
chase of several acres of land, which together with a former small 
purchase gave the congregation a possession of four and one-quar- 
ter acres. 

In the autumn of 1844 Rev. Nathan H. Cornell became pas- 
tor, serving four years ; and following in order were : Rev. Wm. 
H. Smith, two years, Rev. Prof. H. H. Haverstick, six months, 
and Rev. W. D. Roedel, four years, from 1851 to 1855. In Mr. 
Roedei's ministry the parsonage was built, a substantial house 
still occupying its position on the grounds of the cemetery. It is 
no longer used as a parsonage, but is rented by the congregation, 
the location being somewhat distant from the present church 



94 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

building. After the resignation of Rev. Mr. Roedel, Rev. Mr. 
Haverstick again became a supply for six months, until a call was 
extended to Rev. T. T. Titus, who ministered from 1856 to 1861. 
An interesting and comprehensive history of the church from its 
founding till the year i860 was written by Mr. Titus and pub- 
lished for the pleasure of his parishioners. 

Succeeding Mr. Titus were Rev. J. H. Heck, ministering seven 
and one -half years, and Rev. H. J. Watkins, five years, 1869-74. 
In 1873 preparations were made for the fourth church building. 
A lot on Lancaster Avenue was presented by Mr. Charles Kugler, 
a pillar and trustee of the church, and gladly accepted by the 
congregation as a location for a new house of worship. Rev. Mr. 
Watkins resigned the charge before the church was completed, 
and was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Steck, who entered upon his 
pastoral work in March, 1874. The new church was dedicated 
September 5, 1874, Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., LL. D., preach- 
ing the dedicatory sermon. The church is built of stone, with 
the audience room on the second floor, the first floor being used 
for lecture-room, Sunday-school services and library. Recent im- 
provements have fitted the building with steam-heating apparatus, 
new upholstery and carpetings. Two preaching services are held 
every Sunday. A weekly prayer-meeting and an active Sunday- 
school organization add to the efficiency of church work. The 
pastoral aids in the congregation are a Mite Society, Woman's 
Home and Foreign Missionary Society, and a Young People's 
Luther Alliance ; and special mission aid is given by a large 
membership to the Mission Society of the Philadelphia Con- 
ference. 

In 1883, Dr. Anna S. Kugler, a member of this congregation, 
became a medical missionary on our mission territory in India. 
After five years of service and a three years' furlough, she again 
sailed for India in August, 1891. Rev. Mr. Steck resigned his 
pastorate March, 1890, and was succeeded in July of the same 
year by Rev. M. Coover, who accepted a call after the comple- 
tion of his studies in the Seminary at Gettysburg. 

In 1889 the trustees of the church made a purchase of five ad- 
ditional acres, extending westward from the old cemetery grounds, 
to furnish a larger space for sepulture. On this elevated spot are 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 95 

the grassy mounds and moss-covered markers of departed Chris- 
tians sleeping the years away. The village church bell, in sound- 
ing distance, tolls the hours of prayer and Sabbath days over 
resting Revolutionary heroes, colonial Christians, and ancient 
fathers with sleeping families at their side : over forms whose 
ardent souls loved and worshiped on the spot where now they 
sleep their last and quiet sleep. And still the ministry continues, 
from wondering babe at baptismal font to slumbering pilgrim 
borne to his last and undisturbed repose. 

XII. ST. PETER'S CHURCH, BARREN HILL (LAFAYETTE 
HILL), MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

BY REV. A. H. F. FISCHER. 

The early settlers at Barren Hill and vicinity were Germans, 
some of whom were connected with the Lutheran church at Ger- 
mantown, six miles distant. Owing to disturbances in that con- 
gregation during the years 1753-5, some Lutheran and German 
Reformed families bought an acre and thirty-five perches of land 
for the erection of a school-house and for a place of burial. The 
purpose of the purchase is thus stated in the deed, dated March 
14, 1758 : "For the use of a church, a school-house and burying 
ground, to be erected on the hereby granted lot of land for the 
only proper use and behoof of the Dutch Protestants, their heirs 
and successors forever, and for no other use." Both parties 
united in building the school-house, which was used not only for 
school purposes, but occasionally for public services held by Lu- 
theran pastors and Rev. Michael Schlatter, of the Reformed 
church. To this new enterprise several elders, formerly of Ger- 
mantown, attached themselves. The school-house soon became 
too small, and in 1759 Christopher Raben (Robins), of White- 
marsh, and Wighard Miiller and Christopher Jacobi, of German- 
town, informed Rev. H. M. Miihlenberg that they intended to 
erect at Barren Hill a church, which was to be under Synod, and 
in connection with the Philadelphia congregation. Miihlenberg 
was thus recognized because he had rendered great assistance in 
the erection of the school-house, an acknowledgment of which is 
thus recorded in the Minutes : " Our collectors having, in his 



g6 EAST. PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

name and with his letters of recommendation, raised contribu- 
tions to defray the expenses of the school-house, and having, after 
these were paid, also, by means of his written petitions, collected 
money in Philadelphia and in the provinces of New Jersey and 
New York for the building of St. Peter's church, he himself hav- 
ing, at the same time, as far as it was possible for himself and 
fellow laborers, served us in the preaching of the gospel." 

In the building of the church the Reformed had no share. The 
ground and school-house were transferred to Revs. Richard 
Peters, Charles Magnus Wrangel, D. D., Provost of the Swedish 
Lutheran churches in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, H. M. 
Muhlenberg and Henry Keppele, Sr., of Philadelphia, John Kop- 
lin, of Providence, Valentine Miller, Ludwig Kolb and Matthias 
Sommer, members of the church in Whitemarsh, as trustees. The 
first school teacher was Michael Seely, who afterwards became 
blind. In 1765 Conrad BischofT was teacher, and in 1768 John 
George Kiihn. H. M. Muhlenberg laid the corner-stone of the 
church in 1.761, but it was not completed until several years later. 
It was a substantial stone edifice, with galleries on three of its 
sides, and a steeple, surmounted by a cock, a reminder, doubtless, 
of the one that figured in the history of the denial of the disciple 
after whom the church was named. It remained standing until 
1849. The history of its building is a story of struggle, prayers 
and tears. They were burdened with debt. C. Raben en- 
deavored to reduce the debt by means of a lottery — a means often 
used in those times to raise funds for houses of worship. Fifty 
pounds were thus secured. The noble Henry Keppele, of Phila- 
delphia, gave his bond for three hundred pounds. After the diffi- 
culty at Germantown had been settled and that congregation was 
again united with Synod, a number of members who assisted 
Barren Hill returned to their old home, and thus the difficulties at 
St. Peter's increased. 

On March 13, 1765, C. Raben, who had assumed much of the 
debt, declared that if he were not extricated from his embarrass- 
ing condition, he would sell the church to " any sect, even to the 
Papists" In this crisis, Keppele, Wrangel and Muhlenberg each 
obligated himself for one-third of the debt. Muhlenberg ad- 
dressed Ziegenhagen at London, Francke at Halle, and others, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 97 

in behalf of the needy church. A collection in the Anglican 
church for a non-conformist congregation was not allowed in 
England, but the Archbishop of Canterbury sent twenty guineas 
out of his private means. In 1 766 a Reformed creditor threat- 
ened that, unless his loan of one hundred pounds with interest 
were paid, he would bring the matter to court. Under these cir- 
cumstances, Muhlenberg had a transfer of the property made to 
St. Michael's, of Philadelphia, so as to afford a legal protection. 
He attempted to use his wife's patrimony to liquidate the debt, 
which she sensibly prevented. 

In 1 768 ninety pounds' worth of the widely celebrated Halle 
medicines came to Muhlenberg as a contribution to Zion's church 
at Philadelphia and Barren Hill, to be equally divided. August 
4, 1768, Dr. Ziegenhagen, chaplain to the king of England, 
authorized Muhlenberg to draw on him for five hundred pounds 
sterling. But what principally enabled the securities to meet 
their obligations was a bequest of thirteen thousand gulden 
($5,200) from the Count of Roedelsheim, in Germany, to the 
German Lutheran congregations of Pennsylvania, three thousand 
of which ($1,200) were expressly given to the church at Barren 
Hill. The joy of the struggling church can be imagined better 
than described. 

The first election of which we possess a record (though an 
older record is mentioned as having surreptitiously disappeared) 
was held April 1, 1766, when Henry Katz, John Bauer, Andrew 
Koeth and Philip Lehr were chosen elders, and William Hiltner 
and John Fischer deacons. In June, 1769, Rev. John Frederick 
Schmidt accepted the charge of the Germantown congregation, 
and preached occasionally at Barren Hill, in which church ser- 
vice had been previously held every other Sunday by the German- 
town and Philadelphia ministers during the time of Pastors John 
Nicholas Kurtz, 1 763-1 764, John LudwigVoigt, 1 764-1 765, Jacob 
Van Buskirk, 1 766-1 769, and Christopher Emanuel Schultze, 
1 765-T 769. Through the war, and for several years after its close, 
Rev. H. M. Miihlenberg, as also his son, Rev. H. E. Muhlenberg, 
of St. Michael's, Philadelphia, officiated here, followed by the Revs. 
Daniel Schroeder, 1 7 76-1 782 ( ?), and John Frederick Weinland, 
1786 to 1789, of the Germantown congregation, whose several 
labors helped to keep the congregation together. 



98 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

During the Revolution the church received considerable injury, 
having been by turns occupied by the contending armies, and 
used as a battery and stable. Rev. H. M. Muhlenberg, in 
his journal, under date of November 4, 1777, says that "it was 
used as a stable for horses by a portion of the American army en- 
camped in the vicinity," and further mentions that a short time 
previous the British army had been here and taken from the peo- 
ple their horses, oxen, cows, sheep and hogs. Lafayette used the 
church as a point of obseivation during his brief stay on the Hill, 
in the middle of May, 1778, and came near being captured by 
General Grant with a strong detachment of the British army. 

The next pastor, Rev. Frederick D. SchaefTer, has left the fol- 
lowing interesting account of the condition of affairs at this time : 
"In the year 1790 I was called to the congregation of St. Peter's 
as its regularly ordained minister, and found the church and 
school in such a lamentable condition as to be commiserated. 
Only a few heads of families remained ; the greater number of 
children had already been sent to English schools, and an Eng- 
lish schoolmaster had been appointed to teach without my knowl- 
edge. The church building was in a deplorable condition, like a 
neglected or disordered house, the rude walls, windows and frames 
broken and shattered, and the roof appeared also ready to fall 
in." As the church was injured during the war, the congregation 
applied to the Assembly, who passed an act, April 13, 1807, 
authorizing them to hold a lottery to meet the expense. For 
want of unanimity this was not carried out, and a committee of 
seven members was appointed in 1809, through whom the build- 
ings and surrounding property were repaired, and the church re- 
dedicated January 7, 1810, in the presence of a large assembly. 
After a pastorate of over twenty- two years Mr. Schaeffer resigned, 
preaching his farewell sermon August 23, 181 2. 

Rev. John C. Baker followed, and remained until 1828. Dur- 
ing his ministry the German language was entirely dispensed with 
and the English substituted. Rev. Benjamin Keller com- 
menced his labors in February, and remained until 1835. He 
was followed by Rev. C. W. Schaeffer, under whom the parsonage, 
costing nearly $900, was built. Rev. F. R. Anspach became 
pastor January 1st, 1841, and remained until 1850. He held the 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS . 



99 



last communion in the old church April 8, 1849, when the 
present fine edifice was erected, at a cost of $6,471.46. Under 
his services the church was greatly strengthened. Rev. W. H. 
Smith succeeded him in 1850, and resigned May 10, 1852. In 
November, 1852, Rev. W. M. Baum accepted, served till May, 
1858, and was followed by Rev. S. Sentman, who resigned April, 
1862. In his ministry the centennial celebration of the church 
was observed with appropriate ceremonies. Rev. C. L. Keedy 
was the next pastor, 1862 to 1865, followed by Rev. J. Q. 
Waters, whom Rev. J. R. Dimm succeeded in 1867. Rev. T. C. 
Pritchard took charge September 1, 1871, and remained until 
July, 1883. His successor was Rev. J. Q. McAtee, who resigned 
November, 1888. February 1, 1889, the present pastor, Rev. 
A. H. Frank Fischer, took charge. The church at present num- 
bers about 240 members, is free of debt, is surrounded by about 
eight acres of cemetery, inclosed by an iron railing and wall. In 
addition to a good parsonage, with an acre of ground, the church 
owns another excellent property. Though one of the first 
churches in Pennsylvania, she is still bringing forth fruit in old 
age. Her later sons in the ministry, Revs. W. S. Freas, D. D., 
M. S. Cressman and F. W. Staley, are doing noble work for the 
Master. Her history, though at times dark, is most inspiring. 
Her list of servants contains many who stand high in the annals 
of American Lutheranism. That her growth may be commen- 
surate with that of the great city on whose border she has stood 
for more than a century and a quarter, is the prayer of all her 
faithful children. 



XIII. ST. PETER'S CHURCH, MIDDLETOWN, DAUPHIN 

COUNTY. 

BY MR. S. L. YETTER. 

St. Peter's is the oldest Lutheran church in Dauphin County, 
with the exception of the "Hill" church in Deny township. 
Lot No. 135, upon which the old church edifice now stands, was 
deeded September 18, 1764, by George Fisher and Hannah, 
his wife, to Peter Woltz, George Frey and Dieterick Schoball, 



IOO EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

of Lower Paxton township, Lancaster county (now Swatara 
township, Dauphin county), Province of Pennsylvania, for the 
sum of seven shillings and six pence, with additional rental of one 
grain of wheat per annum, payable each consecutive first of May. 
The deed was acknowledged before Justice John Allison, and at 
tested by Joseph Greenwood and Henry Renick. It is written 
on parchment, is in a good state of preservation, and is recorded 
at Lancaster, in Deed Book M, page 395. It bears the old colo- 
nial seal of Lancaster county. In the same year a petition was 
sent to King George III. through John Penn, Lieut. Governor of 
the Province, praying for the privilege of erecting a church, and 
for the privilege of collecting funds for the same purpose, which 
was granted by license, bearing date September 28, 1764, to 
Christian Roth and David Ettele, to raise by subscription twelve 
hundred pounds in the space of three years. This document 
bears the autograph of John Penn, and is countersigned by 
Joseph Shippen, his secretary. There are no papers to show how 
much of this money was raised. It would appear from the read- 
ing of this document that the members were poor. In fact, Da- 
vid Ettele, one of the Committee, walked as far as Philadelphia on 
his collecting tour. Many of the members were driven from their 
homes by the hostile Indians who roamed the surrounding forests, 
and who for years had been desolating this frontier with toma- 
hawk, scalping knife and torch. 

The church was built in 1767. The corner-stone was laid by 
Justice James Bird, in presence of the Rev. T. Engelland, the first 
pastor, N. Hornell, Conrad Bucher, and the church wardens and 
elders, Jno. C. Roth, Jno. Metzgar, Geo. Philip Shage, Gottlieb 
D. Ettla and Jacob King, together with the Building Committee. 
There were placed in the corner-stone a German Bible, printed at 
Halle in 1763 ; the shorter catechism of Martin Luther, printed 
at Philadelphia in 1 764 ; three wafers, a half-pint bottle of wine, 
together with some money in Pennsylvania currency. 

The building was constructed in old red sandstone, and was two 
stories high, with a gallery on three sides and a stairway leading from 
each door to the gallery. The windows were small, as were the panes 
of glass in them. The first floor was of bricks that were nine inches 
square. The pews were narrow, with high, straight backs. The 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. IOl 

pulpit was a sort of martin-box on an enlarged scale, supported 
by a post eight or ten feet high, and reached by a narrow wind- 
ing stair; over it, like a huge extinguisher, hung a sounding- 
board. There was no provision for heating, but sixty years later 
stoves were introduced. They were looked upon by the oldest 
members as a dangerous innovation. The first stoves were cap- 
able of receiving into their interiors sticks of wood four feet in 
length. The membership of "St. Peter's Kirche" numbered 
sixty-six old and sixty- three young persons. In August, 1793, 
George Frey and Jacob King, acting for the congregation, pur- 
chased lot No. 134 for ^3, and a yearly rental of one grain of 
wheat. By mistake the deed was made to Frey and King, but 
their executors afterwards conveyed a deed to the congregation, 
bearing date October 7, 1807. 

On the 10th of March, 1807, application was made by the con- 
gregation to the Supreme Court and Attorney-General for a char- 
ter of incorporation. On the 21st of the same month Gov. Thomas 
McKean issued a warrant to Timothy Matlack, Master of Rolls, 
to issue the charter prayed for by the petitioners. In 1813 the 
steeple was built, for which purpose the sum of $1211.35 was 
subscribed by one hundred and ninety-three persons. 

In 1826 Jane Hannegan sold lot No. 133 to the congregation. 

In 1830 the brick floor was replaced by a wooden one ; the 
straight-backed pews gave way to more comfortable ones ; a new 
pulpit was erected, with steps on either side and a recess under- 
neath where the pastor could retire to prepare himself for his 
duties, and a number of other changes were made. 

In 1835 the lecture-room was built. 

In T855 the parsonage on High street was erected. 

On September 4, 1867, tne church celebrated its centennial 
anniversary, at which were present many distinguished clergymen 
and persons prominent in the State. On this occasion one hun- 
dred grains of wheat, enclosed in a silken bag, were sent, as a full 
satisfaction of one clause of the original deed, to Hon. Robert J. 
Fisher, of York, Pa., the oldest of the living legal heirs of George 
Fisher, who sold the church lot to the congregation. The Luth- 
eran ministers present on this occasion were Rev. A. H. Lochman, 
D. D., Rev. Peter Sahm, Rev. S. D. Finckel, D. D., Rev. Prof. C. 



102 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

J. Ehrehart, Rev. G. J. Martz, Rev. G. W. Hemperly, Rev. W. H. 
Steck, Rev. J. B. Anthony, Rev. W. M. Baum, D. D., Rev. Peter 
Raby, Rev. F. A. Barnitz, Rev. C. Reimensnyder and Rev. J. B. 
Keller. 

The pastors of the church from 1767 to 1867 were the Revs. J. 
T. Engelland, 1 767-1 773; T.F.Illig, 1773-1 778 ; J.Kurtz, 1788- 
1793; P. Pentz, 1193-iwS ; H. Miller, 1 795-1 803 ; J. D. Peter- 
son, 1 803-18 1 2 ; F. C. SchaefTer, 181 2-18 15 ; G. Lochman, 
1815-1826 ; A. H. Lochman, 1826-1830 • J. H. Van Hoff, 1830- 
1834 ; P. Sahm, 1834-183 7 ; S. D. Finckel, 183 7-1 840; J. Vogel- 
bach, 1844-1847; L. Gerhart, 184 7-1 848; W. M. Baum, 1848- 
1852 ; B. Sadtler, 1853 -1856 ; C. J. Ehrehart, 1856-1865, and P. 
Raby, 1865-1872. 

In 1872 Rev. J. W. Finkbmer was installed as pastor. Dur- 
ing his administration it was found that the old building was be- 
coming inadequate to accommodate the increasing membership, 
and that it was inconveniently located. Town lots Nos. 149 and 
150 were secured from the Frey Estate at a yearly rental of 
$15.00 each. 

At a congregational meeting, March 7, 1876, it was resolved to 
erect a new church edifice. Plans were adopted June 11, 1877, 
the corner-stone was laid Sept. 6 of the same year, and the church 
was dedicated Feb. 2, 1878. It is of the Gothic style of archi- 
tecture, containing an auditorium on the amphitheatre plan, a 
Sunday-school room with an annex separated by a glass partition 
from the infant department, and a library room. The pews in 
the auditorium are constructed of chestnut, ash and poplar. 
From the vestibule to the front, the floor has a gradual slope. 
The pulpit, altar and railing are of the same material as the 
pews. There are three large memorial windows, size 12 by 20 
feet ; the one in the east being in memory of Jno. Croll (who 
was Superintendent of the Sabbath-school for fifty years), by his 
daughters ; the south window in memory of Margaritta Cameron, 
wife of Simon Cameron ; the north window in memory of Sophia 
Young, by her son James Young. The structure cost $19,000.00. 
The architect was S. B. Valk, of New York. 

In 1883 Rev. Finkbiner resigned the pastorate, and in 1884, 
Rev. H. C. Holloway was elected, who served the congregation 
until 1889. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. IO3 

In 1890 the present pastor, Rev. F. W. Staley, was elected. 
At his installation, Rev. B. F. Alleman, D. D., delivered the ad- 
dress to the pastor, and Rev. W. H. Dunbar the sermon to the 
congregation. In the summer of 1890 the Sunday-school room 
was enlarged at a cost of over $3,000.00. In 1891 a large pipe- 
organ was built and placed in the church by Messrs. Midmer and 
Son, of Brooklyn, at a cost of $3,500.00. This organ is one of 
the best, has an excellent tone, and adds greatly to the appear- 
ance of the church. About November, 189T, Col. James Young 
had the walls of the auditorium very handsomely frescoed. In 
September, 1891, for the first time in the history of this congre- 
gation, the East Pennsylvania Synod convened in this church. 
In the spring of 1892 the parsonage on High Street was sold. 
A few months later the Trustees of the church purchased for 
$6,000.00 the handsome and commodious residence of Mr. J. H. 
Baxtresser on Spring Street, scarcely a block from the church. 
This house has all the modern conveniences, reflecting a great 
deal of credit upon the members, and giving a comfortable home 
to their pastor. The property belonging to the congregation is 
valued at $35,000.00. 

Early in the present century this church seems to have awakened 
to the necessity of imparting religious instruction to the young. 
A Sunday-school was organized in 1819. It was probably a crude 
affair. The children were taught to read the Bible in German 
and English. The first superintendent and teacher was a Mr. 
Sneath ; in 1823 he was succeeded by Mr. Jno. Croll. In 1873 
Mr. Croll was succeeded by Mr. Geo. A. Lauman, and in 1889 
Mr. I. O. Nissley, the present superintendent, succeeded Mr. Lau- 
man. The school now numbers over 600. The membership of 
the church has more than doubled itself since Rev. Staley became 
its pastor. Considerable interest and enthusiasm is manifested 
by the younger members in church work, and the present out- 
look is most encouraging. The indications are that old St. Peter's 
will march abreast with her sister churches, and will gladly do her 
part in the evangelization of the world. 



104 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

XIV. ST. JAMES' LUTHERAN CHURCH, GREENWICH, 
WARREN CO., N. J. 

BY REV. T. C. PRITCHARD. 

The early history of this venerable foundation and Christian 
church stretches over two centuries. It goes back to the date of 
those who fled from the horrors of the "Thirty Years' War " and 
sought an asylum in the New World. The original settlers were 
German, and brought with them their religion and religious insti- 
tutions. Before the erection of the church, religious exercises 
were conducted regularly in their households, holding in their 
isolation from the great world to the Lutheran faith. The school- 
master, then as now, was abroad in the land. When Johann 
Berger arrived in Sopatcong, he assumed the additional functions 
of pastor to the scattered community. He had never been or- 
dained, but was deemed competent to officiate as reader and ex- 
pounder of the Scriptures. He read to the assembled families 
one of Dr. Luther's sermons or house-postils. But desiring to en- 
joy more fully the privileges of the church, they sent to Germany 
for clerical supplies. In the " Hallesche Nachrichten " it is stated 
that in the year 1760 letters were received from Lutherans living 
in "Greenwich township" and "Anweel or Anwill township," ask- 
ing for the preaching of the gospel. 

In the same work, of a later date, the statement is again made, 
that letters or messages were received from the Lutheran congre- 
gation of "Greenwich an den Blauen Bergen," showing that the 
church was in existence as an organization previous to 1762. 

The first church erected was called St. John's. It was a union 
church, Lutheran and German Reformed. This was in 1769. 
This date, too, marks the beginning of preaching by stated pas- 
tors. The German Reformed congregation, by death, removals 
and other causes, became extinct, and the Lutherans acquired 
sole possession of the property. A complete re-organization fol- 
lowed. They changed the name to St. James', and affiliated 
with St. Michael's church in Philadelphia. The tenets of the 
new organization, formally declared, were the Unaltered Augs- 
burg Confession, and through more than a century of existence it 
has clung steadfastly to this profession of faith. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 105 

In i 790 another and more commodious church was erected. 
It was built of stone, and was a great improvement upon the first- 

In 1834 the present large and beautiful edifice was erected. It 
is built of brick and in the most substantial manner. Thus, dur- 
ing one hundred and some thirty years, three houses of worship 
have been used by this congregation in the service of God and 
the culture of Christianity. During all these years, the organi- 
zation has had an existence which, without a break, has come up 
to to day full of vitality and power for good. 

We now naturally turn to the list of those who during this pe- 
riod were shepherds of the flock. Our church record begins A. D. 
1769. From 1 770-1 773, Peter Muhlenberg; 1773-1777, Chris- 
tian Streit ; 1777-1781, Rev. Braas ; 1781-1790, John Fred- 
erick Ernst; 1792 , John Conrad Jeager; 181 2-18 15, 

Christian Endress ; 181 5-183 7, J. P. Hecht ; 1837-1847, Daniel 
Miller; 1847-1851, John McCron ; 1851-1S65, J. K. Plitt ; 
1865-1868, M. H. Richards ; 1868-1880, S. Henry ; 1880-1883, 
F. T. Hoover; 1883-the present, T. C. Pritchard. 

The churches at Riegelsville, Stewartsville and Phillipsburg 
have been at times parts of this charge. At present St. James 
constitutes the field. But one minister has gone out of this fold 
— Rev. W. A. Shipman, the pastor of the Lutheran church of 
Johnstown, Pa. 



XV. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, MAYTOWN, LANCASTER CO. 

BY REV. W. H. HARDING. 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of this place was founded 
upon the Augsburg Confession in the year 1770. The congrega- 
tion began its worship of God in a little old log church at the 
corner of the old town cemetery. Services were continued here 
until the year 1804, when the stone church in which the congre- 
gation worships to-day was erected. 

The first pastor of this early people was the Rev. Michael En- 
derlein, who served them from 1770 to 1778. The number of 
those who surrounded the Table of the Lord on their first com- 
munion-day, in 1770, was twenty-eight. This appears to be about 
the number of the members comprising the organization ; for we 



106 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

find that at the two communions held in 1771 there were respect- 
ively twenty-four and twenty-eight communicants. A brief time 
after organization, a number of persons gave gifts to the congre- 
gation. Frederick Swartz gave a communion cup, Jacob Wolf a 
baptismal bowl, and Mr. Hofin a collection bag and bell. It ap- 
pears that the bag was funnel-shaped, fastened at the end of a 
long pole, and at the end of the bag was a little bell, which would 
jingle as it was passed in and out of the pews. The preaching 
seems to have been all in German for a number of years after or- 
ganization. The following places seem to have been connected 
in the charge, viz. : Maytown, Elizabethtown, Mt. Joy and Mari- 
etta. 

Rev. J. Frederick Ellery was pastor from 1778 to 1784; Rev. 
Frederick Theodore Melshheimer, from 1784 to 1801. 

Rev. John Frederick Ernst, coming from Cooperstown, N. Y., 
preached his first sermon November 28, 1802. During his min- 
istrations the congregation were enabled to quit their old log sanc- 
tuary and erect for themselves a very pretty two-story stone 
church, in which we worship at the present time. The coiner- 
stone of this was laid April 21, 1804. The communicant mem- 
bership at that time was nineteen. 

Rev. J. P. F. Kramer took charge November 2, 1806, and con- 
tinued until 181 2. Rev. Kramer came from Paxton township, 
Dauphin Co., Pa. 

Rev. Wm. Gotthold Ernst served from March 22, 1812, to 1815. 

Rev. John Jacob Strein came December 31, 18 15, and served 
until 1825. The communicant membership in ihe year 1816 was 
forty-five ; in 1825 it was seventy. From this year until Decem- 
ber, 1828, we can find no record of any pastor's care over the 
church. 

Rev. Frederick Ruthrauff took charge December, 1828, and 
closed his relations as pastor April 29, 1832. 

Rev. Peter Sahm took charge June 30, 1833, serving until 1837. 

Rev. L. Gerhardt took charge November 4, 1838, and contin- 
ued his service until October 24, 1847. It was during this pas- 
torate that the St. Luke's congregation of Bainbridge became 
connected with this charge. 

In the year 1839 St. Luke's, of Bainbridge, in connection with 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 107 

the German Reformed congregation, purchased their church 
property from Mr. Henry Haldeman, and continued to be a union 
church until September, 1891, when the half-interest held by the 
Reformed people was purchased from them. 

During the ministry of Rev. Gerhardt, Rev. M. J. Alleman, now 
pastor at York, Pa., left St. John's congregation to take up his 
studies at Gettysburg for the gospel ministry. 

The Rev. Wm. Gerhardt (brother of Rev. L. Gerhardt), came 
to the charge November 4, 1847, an d left November 17, 1850. 

Rev. Jacob B. Crist came March 1, 1852, resigning in 1855. 

It appears that after the departure of Rev. Crist, Rev. M. 
Sondhaus came ; but as to date of his coming or departure noth- 
ing definite is known. 

Rev. W. G. Laitzle came June 1, 1855. 

The preaching points at this time seem to have been the fol- 
lowing : Elizabethtcwn, Bainbridge, Mt. Joy, Centreville, and 
Maytown. Up to this date, the German preaching had been 
growing less and less from year to year, and when Rev. Laitzle 
closed his work with the charge (1862), it seems that the Ger- 
man went with him without any serious objections from the con- 
gregations. 

Rev. B. F. Apple came August 8, 1862, remaining until near 
the close of 1864. He was followed by Rev. J. W. Early, dur- 
ing whose administration much that is of interest to the pastorate 
was brought to pass, as is recorded in the minutes of the Bain- 
bridge congregation, from which we quote : 

"Bainbridge, August 19, 1867. 
"The Church Council met, pursuant to call, at the house of 
S. Hackenberger. The members present were J. S. Horst, S. 
Hackenberger and Geo. Hackenberger, Elders : C. Gamberling 
and John Fahs, Trustees. By unanimous vote, Geo. Hacken- 
berger was chosen chairman. He stated the object of the meet- 
ing to be for the purpose of appointing a Committee to consult 
with the Maytown Church Council on next Saturday at Maytown, 
concerning the change of pastor, our separation from the Eliza- 
beth town charge, and the forming of a new charge to consist of 
this place and Maytown, and also whether we will or will not ac- 
cept the ofTer of the Pennsylvania Synod, in a letter sent to May- 
town, all agreeable to recommendation of our present pastor, 
Rev. J. W. Early. 



108 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

"The President then appointed S. Hackenberger, John Fahs, 
and Geo. Hackenberger, the Committee to consult with May- 
town Council. G. W. Hackenberger, 

" Secretary of Church Council." 

The report which this Committee returned after meeting the 
Maytown Council, is as follows : 

"We met the Council of the church in Maytown on Saturday, 
August 24, 1867, according to your instruction. By a unanimous 
vote it was agreed to separate our churches from the Elizabeth- 
town charge, and to form a new pastoral district to be composed 
of Maytown and Bainbridge. We took no final action on the 
offer of the Committee of the Pennsylvania Synod, because a 
majority of the Joint Committee believed that, as Maytown has 
no other constitution than that of the General Synod as recorded 
in its English hymn-book, and as Bainbridge is constitutionally a 
General Synod church, it is best to refer the whole matter to a 
congregational vote, the majority to decide whether we remain 
General Synod churches or connect ourselves with the Pennsyl- 
vania Synod and alter our constitutions. It was believed, how- 
ever, by a majority of the Committee, that the interests of our 
churches can best be attended to by uniting with some Synod 
connected with the General Synod. * * * 

" Agreeably to the constitution, an election was published Aug- 
ust 25, to be held in two weeks, to see whether we shall join the 
Pennsylvania Synod or seek connection with a Synod connected 
with the General Synod. 

"S. Hackenberger, 
"John Fahs." 

The only members of the Maytown Council present at this 
joint meeting of whom we are able to learn at this late date, were 
Harry H. Johnstin and John Hays. 

"Luth. Church, Bainbridge, September 8, 1867. 

" This being the day appointed for a vote to be taken * * * 
The minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee were 
read and adopted. The report of the Maytown Committee was 
now read, after which remarks were made by several members, 
after which the vote was taken, which resulted as follows : 

" For the Pennsylvania Synod, 5. 

" For the East Pennsylvania Synod, 13. 

****** 

" G. W. Hackenberger, 
" Secretary of Church Council." 

After this final separation of Maytown and Bainbridge from the 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 109 

Elizabethtown charge, Rev. J. W. Early's labors with these two 
congregations came to an end. 

Rev. F. T. Hoover came May 24, 1868, and served as the first 
pastor to this newly-formed pastorate in its connection with the 
East Pennsylvania Synod, remaining until 1870. 

Rev. D. Stock began his ministerial duties with the charge 
April 1, 1871, continuing until 1873. 

Rev. G. P. Weaver labored here from May 2, 1873, until 1875. 

Rev. J. V. Eckert from October 1, 1876, until 1880. 

Rev. M. H. Stine came April 1, 1880. During his ministry 
here the Maytown congregation received a handsome gift in the 
form of a beautiful church parsonage. This was granted to the 
St. John's Lutheran church March 8, 1891, by the Hon. Simon 
Cameron. The deed declares that it is given u In testimony of 
the love and affection borne by him for the memory of his de- 
ceased wife, Margaretta Brua Cameron, who was an exemplary 
member of the Lutheran Church." Rev. Stine ended his labors 
here July 1, 1882. 

Rev. J. Houseman came December 1, 1882 ; Rev. C. M. Au- 
rand, March 30, 1884; Rev. A. H. Shertz preached his introduc- 
tory sermon November 7, 1885, and closed his pastoral relations 
with this people July 27, 1890. 

Rev. W. H. Harding accepted the formal call extended April 
to, 1 89 1, but did not assume full pastoral care until July 1, after 
his seminary course at Gettysburg was completed. 

During the months of September and October, 1891, the 
church council of Bainbridge entered into negotiations with the 
Reformed church for the purchasing of the half-interest in the 
church property held by them. The price was agreed upon, and 
the property was paid for in full April 25, 1892. 

In the winter months of 1891 and 1892 the repair of St. John's 
church and steeple was begun, and finally completed at an ex- 
pense of $197. In the fall of 1892 the parsonage was remodeled 
at a cost of about $350. 

The amount of the pastor's salary is $500 and the use of the 
parsonage. The present societies of the churches are the follow- 
ing : 

A prayer meeting and a Ladies' Aid Society at each church ; 



HO EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

at Maytown, a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society, 
and the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor. 

The Sunday-schools in both churches are in excellent order, 
numbering about 200 at Maytown and 135 at Bainbridge. The 
present membership at St. John's, of Maytown, is 139, and at St. 
Luke's, of Brainbridge, 105. 



XVI. ZION'S CHURCH, MANHEIM, LANCASTER CO. 

BY J. H. SIELING, M. D., ASSISTED BY JOHN M. ENSMINGER, ESQ. 

The history of this ancient church is quite interesting. Unfor- 
tunately much of it is unwritten, and not a little had to be gleaned 
from the recollections of the oldest members and friends of the 
present congregation. Fragmentary dottings found here and 
there ; added, developed a history of which the present pastor and 
people feel justly proud. 

In 1 761 Nicholas Merrett, of Warwick township (now Penn), 
deeded a small tract of land two miles southeast of Manheim 
(now owned by David and Mary Conrad) for the consideration 
of one silver shilling, to Heinrich Hans, Ludwig Becker, Peter 
Erman, Christian Gyger and Martin Spickler, councilmen, for the 
purpose of erecting a Lutheran church thereon. Here was built 
a small log edifice with a ground floor, which stood till 1770, 
when a firebrand, said to have been brought from a neighbor's 
dwelling, razed this first artificial temple of the wilderness to the 
ground, just as the pastor (name not now known) appeared upon 
the scene to deliver his Sabbath morning's discourse from its 
sacred desk. 

During these years (1760 to 1770) Baron Henry Wm. Stiegel, 
the founder of the town of Manheim, Sabbath after Sabbath 
gathered his workmen from the glass factory and others together 
in a chapel which he had set apart in his palatial residence on 
the northeast corner of Market Square, and in the German lan- 
guage exhorted them in the doctrines of the Lutheran faith. 

The church was founded A. D. 1770 out of the remains of the 
conflagration and the gatherings of the noble hearted Christian 
Baron. It was not, however, until the following year, 1771, that 
a thorough organization was effected. Rev. F. A. C. Muhlenberg, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



of the Borough of Lancaster, was elected pastor, and he wrote the 
constitution and by-laws in German. He said, " We will bring 
order out of disorder." 




ZION'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, MANHEIM. PA. 



On the 4th day of December, A. D. 1772, Baron Stiegel 
deeded a beautiful lot of ground in the centre of this most beauti- 
ful town, Manheim, fashioned and shaped by his own hand after 
the town in his native country and given the identical name, for 
the consideration of five shillings and the rent of a red rose an- 



112 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

nually for ground-rent in the month of June forever, if lawfully de- 
manded. The romantic rental was only twice demanded by him. 
The trustees named in this indenture are Peter Erman, Henry 
Wherley and Henry Martzall. 

A log church was erected thereon, with three-sides gallery and 
a candlestick pulpit. The floor was made of brick, and the walls 
were chinked and daubed. Near the close of the eighteenth cen- 
tury, Ulrich Keyser said in German that he wanted to be buried 
with " Gesang und Klang" (singing and tolling). Consequently 
he bought a 500 pound metal bell and placed it in the belfry. 
It was rung for his obsequies in 1804. About 1820 the walls 
were plastered and a wooden floor put in. 

The following pastors served this congregation (a few dates 
lost): Revs. F. A. C. Muhlenberg, D. D., 1771-1778; John 
D. Schroeder, 1 778-1 782; Fred. Theodore Melsheimer, 1783- 
1789; John David Young, 1 789-1 790; John Fred. Ernst, 1802- 
1805. Rev. Ernst died heart-broken, and lies buried in the yard 
of the church he so faithfully served. He was beloved by all the 
people who knew him ; but, for delivering a patriotic Fourth of 
July oration at the Big Spring near town, the church council 
locked the door of the church against his entering it to perform 
its solemn rites. This so mortally worried him that he took sick 
immediately and never recovered, dying with a broken heart the 
following October 24, 1805. Rev. Henry Scriba, 1807; Wm. 
Baetes, i8io-i828(?) ; Frederick Ruthrauff, i828(?)-i832 ; 
Peter Sahm, 1 833-1835 ; C. P. Miller, 1836-1841 ; Christopher 
G. Frederick, 1 842-1849; John H. Menges (who introduced 
evening service with tallow dips for lights) 1849-June 23, 185 1 ; 
Chas. Rees, 1854-1856; George Haines, 1857-1858. 

The church was rebuilt in 1858 after the fashion of the day, 
i. e., a one-story brick structure of somewhat Grecian architecture, 
with a low pulpit and a gallery at the opposite end over the ves- 
tibule. The corner-stone was laid May 19, 1857, at which the 
pastor was assisted by Revs. Wm. Baetes and J. H. Menges. The 
church was dedicated September 26 and 27, of the same year. 
An eight hundred and fifty pound bell was placed in the tower 
by the congregation. Revs. D. P. Rosenmiller served in 1858; 
Jos. R. Focht, 1 864-1 868. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 113 

SUNDAY-SCHOOL ORGANIZED. 

In 1867 the Lutheran members of "The Manheim Union Sun- 
day-school" concluded that it was their duty, for the interests of 
the church and the Master's cause, to erect an enduring monu- 
ment in the form of a Sabbath Home for the children of the 
Lutheran and other families of and around Manheim. On the 
10th day of November, the first session was held. Mr. Geo. D. 
Miller was elected Superintendent. For the first few years an 
old melodeon furnished the instrumental part of the music, after- 
ward a double bank chapel-organ took its place and was used in 
school and church service. This was the first organ in a Man- 
heim church. The first quarter of a century of the school has 
just been celebrated. The four Superintendents were all present 
— Mr. Miller, 14 years; Peter Keath, i year; D. E. Shimp, i 
year ; Ezra Reist, 9 years. Dr. Sieling is the fifth and present 
Superintendent, the first in the second quarter century. 

Rev. Kaempfer served 1 868-1 869 ; J. C. Barnitz (Supply) 
1869-1870; Jacob Peter, 1871-1890; John H. Menges, June 
19, 1891-the present. 

Lnder this pastorate the church has been rebuilt. The corner- 
stone was laid, August 16, 1891, the pastor being assisted by Dr. E. 
Huber. The church was dedicated April 24, 1892, the pastor 
being assisted by Rev. R. W. Hufford, D. D., President of East 
Pennsylvania Synod, Revs. M. Fernsler and I. W. Bobst. The 
present structure, in the eastern end of the church yard, is built 
of brick, of Gothic architecture, with a beautiful base course of 
sandstone. It is 92 feet long and 55 feet wide, divided into six 
apartments, viz. : auditorium, Sunday-school, primary class and 
library rooms, and two vestibules. The rooms are divided by 
Wilson's rolling partitions. After these are raised, all the apart- 
ments are thrown into one. All the walls are frescoed on the in- 
side. The building is heated throughout by steam and lighted 
by gas. There is an organ in each room. The auditorium is 
graced by an excellent pipe organ made by Samuel Bohler, of 
Reading, at a cost of $2,500.00. The building throughout is of 
modern finish and finely equipped. The tower is 80 feet high, 
and is surmounted by a weather-vane. The bell was donated by 
Dr. J. H. Siding's Bible Class, and weighs 2850 lbs. (Eflat). The 



114 EA ST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

windows are all stained glass, and were donated by individuals. 
A large Red Rose was placed in the circular window in the pul- 
pit recess. The rose is surmounted by the inscription, " Baron 
Henry Wm. Stiegel," and supported by the name of " Rev. J. H. 
Menges." The building was erected at a cost of $13,000.00. 
On the day of dedication the remaining unprovided debt of 
$5,000.00 was assumed by individuals. It is proposed by the 
Stiegel Castle, No. 166, K. G. E., to erect a memorial fountain 
on the beautiful lawn in front of the church. 

The present value of the church property is about $20,000. 
The membership is about 180. The Sunday-school numbers 285. 
The church council consists of: Elders, Ezra Reist and Dr. J. 
H. Sieling ; Trustees, Jno. M. Ensminger, D. E. Shimp and Chas. 
W. Sheeler; Deacons, N. W. Long, John F. Devert, John M. 
Ressler and John K. Bemesderfer ; Pastor, Rev. John H. Menges, 
in the sixty-ninth year of his age. In April of 1891 this congre- 
gation was left alone in the "Manheim Charge." "The Hill 
church" and "Petersburg" withdrew to form "the East Peters- 
burg Charge." The services are principally English, one German 
sermon being delivered every other Sunday morning. Every 
Sunday morning and evening there are services. Avery interest- 
ing Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was organized 
August, 1892, which has done great good and promises to be the 
means of saving many souls. 



XVII. PIKELAND CHARGE, CHESTER CO. — ST. PE- 
TER'S, P1KELAND ; CENTENNIAL, KIMBERTON. 

BY REV. J. A. HACKENBERG. 

i. St. Peter's Church, Pikeland. 
For the first forty years the records of this congregation were 
kept in the books of Zion church, as the same pastor served both. 
These records have unfortunately been lost. Hence we must 
look to tradition for most of the facts during that period. The 
first religious meetings were held in private houses as early as 
1 75 1. During the period from that to 1770 reports show that 
Rev. Henry Melchior Miihlenberg visited this community and 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 115 

preached from house to house. Authentic records begin in 1771. 
It was on May 16 of that year that Michael Konig (descend- 
ants now King) and Henry Hippie each sold to Peter Hartman, 
George Emerie, Conrad Miller and Adam Moses, trustees, a small 
lot of land to be the location of a church and burial ground. 
Michael Konig sold one acre and eight perches for twenty shil- 
lings, and Henry Hippie forty-five perches for five shillings. 

On this ground the congregation built and dedicated in 1772 
a log church capable of accommodating five hundred people. 
This fact Muhlenberg reported to the church in Germany. Reg- 
ular services were now held by the pastor of Zion's church, with 
which it was connected as a pastorate. The preaching services 
were exclusively in German until the term of Rev. Jacob Wam- 
pole (1827-1836) when an occasional service was held in Eng- 
lish. The English became from necessity more and more fre- 
quent, until the term of Rev. John McCron (1844), when the 
German was entirely discontinued. The congregation was incor- 
porated by the Legislature of Pennsylvania in 1779 as St. Peter's 
German Evangelical Lutheran church. From this point we are 
able to trace the succession of pastors down to the present. 

SUCCESSION OF PASTORS. 

The regular pastors after Muhlenberg were : Revs. Ludwig 
Voigt, 1 7 79-1 790-3 (nominally pastor to 1800) ; J. F. Weinland, 
1790-1800; Fred. Plitt, 1804-1807 (?); J. Rowenauch, 1807 
(?)-i8n (?) ; Fred. Jasinsky, 1811-1815 ; F. W. Geissenhainer, 
Jr., 181 7-182 7 ; F. W. Geissenhainer, Sr., (serving with his son), 
1818-1823 ; Jacob Wampole, 1827-1836; Frederick RuthraurT 
1836-1843; John McCron, 1844-1847; Daniel Miller, 1847- 
1849; Peter Raby, 1849-1858; Samuel Aughey, 1858-1859; 
Cornelius Reimensynder, 185 9-1 863 ; N. H. Cornell, 1 863-1 874 ; 
S. S. Palmer, 1874-1875 ; J. F. Hartman, 1876-1880; J. R. 
Dimm, 1 880-1 882 ; J. A. Hackenberg, 1882 to the present. 

SUCCESSION OF CHURCH BUILDINGS. 

The log church erected in 1772 was used as a house of worship 
for forty years. Up to this time the church was exclusively Luth- 
eran. But now a new church must be built, and the Lutheran 



Il6 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

people entered into an arrangement with the few German Re- 
formed families living in the neighborhood to build a Union 
church. The corner-stone was laid August 13, 181 1, and the 
church dedicated October 4, 181 2, under the name of St. Peter's. 
The cost was $2,836.45^2. This building was used alternately 
each Sunday by the Lutheran and Reformed for twenty-two years, 
when, during the ministry of Rev. Jacob Wampole, it was de- 
stroyed, with its splendid pipe-organ and other valuable contents, 
by an incendiary fire, on the 20th of January, 1835. 

On April 24, 1835, tne corner-stone of a new church was laid. 
The church was dedicated April 12, 1836. This church was 
used and owned conjointly by the Lutherans and Reformed, as 
the previous one had been, until 1889, when the Lutherans, 
feeling the need of a church of their own, under the ministry 
of Rev. J. A. Hackenberg, moved for a separation. This 
was accomplished by a public sale of the old building ; the Ger- 
man Reformed becoming the purchasers. The Lutherans at once 
set to work to build a church, and having secured a lot on the 
opposite side of the road, laid the corner-stone of the present 
beautiful church August 27, 1889. The pastor was assisted on 
the occasion by Rev. M. S. Cressman, of Lionville. The church 
was dedicated free of debt on May 7, 1890; the dedication ser- 
mon being preached by Rev. J. H. Menges, of Philadelphia. 
Cost, about $7,000. The present prosperous condition of the 
congregation attests the wisdom of the separation. 

OTHER CHURCHES GROWING OUT OF ST. PETER'S. 

This church has been the mother of several congregations, 
among which are St. Matthew's Lutheran church, of West Vin- 
cent, and St. Paul's, of Lionville, now constituting the Lionville 
charge, both large and vigorous churches. Another is St. Peter's 
of the General Council, a stone's throw from our own. This 
church withdrew from the old or original organization in 1840 on 
account of "new" or "revival" measures introduced into the 
church by Rev. F. Ruthrauff. They built their church in 1843. 

The fourth congregation formed from this is the Central Luth- 
eran church of Phcenixville, organized in 1876 by Rev. S. S. Pal- 
mer, on retiring as pastor of St. Peter's. The fifth church grow- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATION'S. 117 

ing out of St. Peter's is the Centennial Lutheran church, of 
Kimberton. 

Those who have been called into the Lutheran ministry from 
the membership of St. Peter's are : Revs. P. Sheeder, M. Shee- 
leigh, Alex. McLaughlin, Jacob Friday, Ezekiel Auld and M. E. 
McLinn. 

One fact in the history of this congregation is worthy of special 
mention in this connection. The first annual meeting of the East 
Pennsylvania Synod, after its organization in the basement of 
"Old Trinity," Lancaster, was held in this church. One of the 
only two lay delegates present when the new English Synod was 
organized was Gen. George Hartman, delegate from this church, 
accompanying the pastor, Rev. F. Ruthrauff. He invited the new 
ecclesiastical body to meet in this church in its first annual con- 
vention, and it met here October 15-18, 1842. 

PARSONAGES. 

This congregation owned a parsonage at West Pikeland, about 
two miles from the church, for nearly fifty years, but on account 
of changes in the pastoral territory its location was found to be 
disadvantageous for the pastor, and it was sold and the present 
one built at Kimberton in 1884. 

2. Centennial Church, Kimberton. 

The Centennial Lutheran Church, of Kimberton, was organized 
in 1876 by Rev. J. F. Hartman. The first church council was 
composed of the following : 

Elders — Isaac R. Root, Josiah Schultz and Geo. H. Detterline ; 
Deacons — John R. Holman, Benjamin March and Peter R. Raby ; 
Trustees — David P. Thomas, Jacob Beaver and C. F. Bush. 

They purchased a Quaker meeting-house and fitted it up for a 
place of worship, dedicating it in 1877. During the summer of 
1884, under the ministry of Rev. J. A. Hackenberg, the building 
was beautifully frescoed and otherwise improved. This church 
has been since itsorganization connected with St. Peter's in form- 
ing the Pikeland charge. 

In compiling the above, valuable assistance has been received 
from an anniversary sermon by Rev. J. R. Dimm. D. D. 



Il8 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

XVIII. PINE GROVE CHARGE, SCHUYLKILL CO.— 
JACOB'S, SALEM'S, ST. PETER'S AND ST. JOHN'S. 

BY REV. E. S. HENRY. 

i . Jacob's Church. 

This congregation was organized in the year 1 780. It stands 
two miles west of Pine Grove. The first church was erected in 
1780. The second building was put up in 1833. This house of 
worship was renovated a few years ago. The congregation owns 
half the parsonage, is free of debt, and has a few hundred dollars 
in its treasury. Rev. William Kurtz was pastor from its organiza- 
tion to 1798, followed by Revs. Andrew Schultze, 1798 to 1802 ; 
John Knoske, 1802 to 181 1 ; George Mennig, 181 1 to 1833 > Wil- 
Ham G. Mennig, 1834 to 1839 ; A. B. Gockelen, 1839 to 1845 ; B. 
Sadtler, 1845 to 1849 ; E. Breidenbaugh, 1849 t0 x ^5 2 '> Elias S. 
Henry, just ordained by the Synod of East Pennsylvania, at Potts- 
ville, took charge September 21, 1852, and after forty years is still 
the pastor. The congregation is composed of Pennsylvania Ger- 
mans. The greater part of the services are in the German lan- 
guage. There has been some English preaching for several years 
past in the congregation. This church was established long before 
the town of Pine Grove was commenced. The two Lutheran con- 
gregations there took quite a. number of the members away who 
formerly held to Jacob's church. But there yet remain over two 
hundred. This congregation has services every other Sunday. 
There are several Sunday-schools kept up the whole year. There 
is communion twice a year. The present church council are 
Samuel Stein, Trustee ; Oliver Mease, George Emerich, John D. 
Felty, Levi Felty, Elders; M. Robinson Hughes and William 
Aungst, Deacons. The Rev. J. B. Bergner, of Ohio, entered the 
ministry from this church. 

2. Salem's Church. 

This church is three miles east of Pine Grove, and is owned 
jointly with the German Reformed congregation. It was organized 
in the year 1783. A school-house was first built and also used as a 
place for preaching for a few years. In 1 795 the foundation was 
laid for the first church. The work was carried on slowly. The 
dedication was on Ascension Day in 1797. This church was used 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. II9 

as a place of worship for eighty-four years. In 1880 the corner- 
stone was laid for a new church. In 1881 it was dedicated to the 
worship of the Triune God. It is a beautiful country church, free 
of debt. There are over two hundred members in the Lutheran 
congregation. The members are all Pennsylvania Germans. There 
is not a foreigner among them. The services were formerly all in 
German, but of late years the preaching is partly in English. The 
first pastor on record was Rev. Andrew Schultze, who served from 
1799 t0 x 8o2. He was succeeded by Rev. John Knoske, who re- 
mained until 181 1. Rev. Geo. Mennig then became pastor, and 
remained such until the year 1833. Then followed Revs. J. F. 
Haesbert, 1834; W. G. Mennig, 1834 to 1839; A. B. Gockelen, 
1839 to 1845 5 B. Sadtler, 1845 to 1848, and Julius Erhart, 1854 
to 1856. In May, 1856, Rev. Elias S. Henry was elected pastor. 
He has now served for nearly thirty-seven years. The preaching 
is always in the afternoon. The attendance at services is uni- 
formly good. The church is central in the congregation. There 
is a Union Sunday-school held in it. There are no debts on the 
church. A little farm is owned by the congregation. This church, 
as well as all the others in the Pine Grove charge, is furnished 
with organ and a fine bell. The present church council are G. W. 
Zerbe, Trustee ; William Kemmerling, G. W. Subb, elders ; Wil- 
liam R. Nagel and Jonathan Schwartz, deacons. Mr. W. C. HerT- 
ner, from this congregation, is studying for the ministry. 

3. St. Peter's Church, Pine Grove. 

This church is owned in connection with the German Re- 
formed. The building is of stone and is very substantial. This 
and St. John's are built of the sandstone found in the Swobes 
mountain near by. This church was put up in 18 16. It has 
stood now for seventy-six years, but neither this building nor the 
St. John's, which was built almost fifty years ago, shows any yield- 
ing to the ravages of time. They look as if they could last 
for many centuries. Rev. George Mennig was the first pastor. 
He served the congregation until 1833. After his resignation 
there was discord in the church. Some members showed much 
zeal, but it was not according to knowledge. They were very 
much afraid of what was called, at times, "New Measures." They 



120 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

would not allow even a Sunday-school to be held in the church 
building. The books of the Sunday-school were carried out into 
the middle of the street. For a number of years men that were 
not connected with the Synod preached for the Lutherans. The 
following members of Synod preached at various times within the 
periods indicated, viz.: J. F. Haesbert, 1834; M. Harpel, be- 
tween 1835 and 1838; W. G. Mennig, 1838 and 1839; A. B. 
Gockelen, between 1839 and 1845 ; J. M. Deitzler, 1846-1847; 
and Julius Erhart, 1854-185 5. In the early part of 1855 Rev. 
Elias S. Henry was elected pastor. He has served in this capac- 
ity for almost thirty-eight years. There are almost two hundred 
members in this congregation. They live mostly in the country, 
whilst the members of St. John's live mostly in the town. There 
is peace and harmony between the two Lutheran congregations in 
the same village, having both the same pastor, and many attend 
services at both places. The church building was very much 
changed internally a few years ago. It is furnished with an organ 
and a very fine- toned bell. The present church council are : 
James Clemens, Daniel Lehman, trustees ; James Hummel, Aaron 
Rehrer, elders ; Lyman Croll and Jacob Lengel, deacons. 

4. St. John's Church, Pine Grove. 

The St. Peter's church, of Pine Grove, having informally called 
and admitted to their church a minister, acting under an ad in- 
terim license from the President of the Pennsylvania Synod, a 
number of the members, not approving of this action, resolved to 
secede from their connection, erect a new congregation, and build 
a new house of worship. Accordingly, they met on the evening 
of April 10, 1845, and formed themselves into a congregation 
under the name of "St. John's Evangelical Lutheran congregation 
of Pine Grove, Pa." The number of communicants was about 
thirty. Rev. B. Sadtler was its first pastor. He served the con- 
gregation, in connection with several others, until 1849. His 
successor was Rev. E. Breidenbaugh, who served until the year 
1852. Rev. Elias S. Henry took charge September 21, 1852, and 
is, after forty years, still the pastor. 

This congregation, in connection with Jacob's congregation, two 
miles west of Pine Grove, owns a very comfortable parsonage, on a 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 121 

lot fifty by two hundred feet deep. There have been improve- 
ments made during the last few years about the church which cost 
about $1500. The church has no debts. It has some hundreds of 
dollars in the treasury. The Sunday-school has also some money 
on interest. The congregation owns a cemetery of nearly ten 
acres of ground, in which many of the members of the other con- 
gregations in the town and vicinity own lots and bury their dead. 
The Sunday-school was organized in 1836 — fifty-six years ago. 
There are still two connected with the school who were charter 
members, viz., Mr. William Forrer, the librarian of the school, and 
Miss Esther Conrad, the superintendent of the infant department. 

A number of ministers went forth from this church and Sunday- 
school. Drs. F. W. Conrad and V. L. Conrad were formerly 
members of the church and superintendents of the school. Mr. 
John E. GraerT was a member, and superintendent of the school. 
He entered the ministry from here. Rev. James T. Kendall was 
a child of this church and the superintendent of its school. Rev. 
George C. Henry, of Des Moines, Iowa, was from his childhood 
a member of this congregation and Sunday-school. His sainted 
mother, Sarah Conrad Henry, had been superintendent of the 
infant department for twenty years, up to the time of her death. 
Her last request was, " Don't give up the church and Sunday- 
school in which I labored so long." Revs. Eli Huber and H. B. 
Wile were also raised in this Sunday-school. 

The preaching was originally English and German, and it is so 
still. There is a German sermon every two weeks, and in the 
same time five sermons in English. There is a Society of Chris- 
tian Endeavor connected with this congregation, of over one hun- 
dred members. This society has been supporting a native 
preacher in our mission in India for some years by paying $30 
yearly. The English-speaking families take the Lutheran Obser- 
ver. A number of Missionary Journals are also taken. There 
are about two hundred and forty members. A weekly German 
and a weekly English prayer-meeting are held. A prayer-meet- 
ing before preaching on Sunday morning has been kept up since 
1858. The present church council are : M. H. Boyer, T. B. 
Hughes, P. F. Seidel, trustees ; M. Richter, P. Haug, elders ; and 
H. H. Christ, W. M. Druckmiller, deacons. John A. Richter and 
M. M. Dieffenbach superintend the Sunday-school. 



122 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

XIX. SHOOP'S CHARGE, DAUPHIN COUNTY— SHOOP'S 
AND SALEM. 

BY REV. W. L. HEISLER. 

i. Shoop's Church. 

Shoop's church is situated in Lower Paxton township, Dauphin 
County, Pa., on the road leading from Harrisburg to Jonestown, 
about four miles east of Harrisburg. It is said that the first 
settlers in this community were Presbyterians. The Germans 
came here a little later. Few, if any, came directly from Ger- 
many. It is supposed that all the first of the German settlers 
were Lutheran and German Reformed, and that they came from 
what is now called Lebanon county. "These two denominations 
were at that time the only sects known here among the German 
settlers." "In the year of our Lord, A. D. 1783, these people 
united with each other in the erection of a house of worship — a 
union church building, which was finished and occupied in the 
year of our Lord, A. D. 1784." The church w T as built of logs, 
logged up, chinked, and covered with clap-boards. 

On the first page of a very old book was written in German : 
" This book presented to the church by David Epler." 

" Church Book, Register of Births, Baptisms, Confirmations, 
and Deaths, began by Frederick Theodore Melsheimer, Evangel- 
ical Lutheran Preacher, Beckstein (Paxtang), the 26th day of 
April, A. D. 1783." 

" Soli Deo Gloria:' 
" To God alone the glory." 

This book was used by both congregations for the purposes in- 
dicated. The following was also written in this book: "Anno 
Domini 1794, February 22, the church was closed for repairs, 
and Stoffle Shoop and John Parthemore were appointed for the 
purpose of repairing the church." Parthemore charged for board- 
ing shingle-makers, 25 days, £2 7s. and 5d. Shoop had the 
shingle-makers in board and received £2. After deducting 
charges for boarding shingle-makers, there was left in his hands 
April 13, 1794, a balance of 17s. There is also a receipt of 
June 23, from John Bim, for £26, for work done on the church. 

In 1797 we also find a credit claimed by Christian Walborn 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 23 

for ^7, paid Peter Bobb for 2,800 feet of boards ; also for ^7 
5 s. 5d. for work at building. 

We find on record a deed from Christopher Shoop and wife, of 
Lower Paxton township, Dauphin county, Pa., dated March 20, 
1797, to Peter Bobb, Henry Myer, John Parthemore, and Jacob 
Milleisen, trustees for the United German Lutheran and German 
Reformed church in the township of Paxton aforesaid, for one 
acre and fifty perches, being the lot of ground on which the said 
church now stands, acknowledged August 12, 1797, at which 
date it was no doubt delivered ; this showing that, although 
erected and occupied some time in the year 1784, it was not com- 
pleted until 1797. 

The building was large and substantial, built of logs, weather- 
boarded, and painted white, with comfortable pews, end and side 
galleries, the seating capacity being about eight hundred persons. 
It answered the purpose of the congregation, and was used by 
them until May 28, 1829, when the present church was erected 
as it stood before the late alterations were made, at a cost of 
$2,100. The building committee were John Elser, David 
Mumma, Frederick Shoop, George Hain, Jacob Shell, and Fred- 
erick Parthemore, treasurer. 

The present building was enlarged and improved in 1883, 
and dedicated January 13, 1884. The building committee were 
Joseph Rudy, Daniel Metz, John Ebersole, John E. Horstick, 
Luther K. Lingle. The cost of improvement $5,224.68. Min- 
isters present at the dedication were : Lutheran, Revs. J. H. 
Menges, J. G. Martz, an ex-pastor, E. Daron, an ex-pastor, and 
S. Dasher, pastor ; German Reformed, Revs. A. S. Stouffer, pas- 
tor, D. Y. Heisler, an ex-pastor, and M. A. Smith, an ex-pastor. 
The address of welcome was made by Rev. A. S. Stouifer, and 
the historical address was delivered by Hon. David Mumma. 

It is difficult to give a correct history of the pastors who served 
the Lutheran congregation from time to time, inasmuch as only a 
few of the pastors kept correct records. It is evident, says Mr. 
Mumma, that there was some service in this locality before the 
"Church Book," already referred to, was opened in 1783. 
There are some baptisms recorded as early as 1774, and one in 
every year (but one) down to 1782. The first one after the 



124 EA ST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

opening of the book was in May, 1783. But who performed the 
service of all but the last one we are unable to say. It is fair and 
reasonable to presume that it was done by visiting clergymen. 
After April 26, 1783, the Rev. Frederick Theodore Melsheimer 
was the regular Lutheran pastor, who subscribes himself as 
" Evangelical Lutheran Preacher, Beckstein," the latter being the 
name by which the church was then known. In fact the name 
Shoop's is not found in any record until we find it in the next 
church register, opened May 23, 1830. It is not so named in the 
deed. That is to ''The Lmited German Lutheran and Reformed 
Church, in township of Paxton." It is evident that at the date of 
the opening of the church register aforesaid, April 26, 1783, the 
church edifice was not yet commenced, and that it was finished 
in 1785. 

It is a matter of tradition that the congregation for some time 
worshiped in Stoffle Shoop's house, until the church was finished 
and used for worship, and that before any regular organization 
existed traveling preachers frequently visited here and were en- 
tertained by Stoffle Shoop at his house, and held service there. 
Rev. F. T. Melsheimer officiated here as Lutheran pastor from 
April 26, 1783, to 1788. He recorded but one communion list, 
April 18, 1784, containing fifty-one names. 

From 1788 to 1790 Rev. F. D. SchaefTer was pastor. From May 

1, 1796, Henry Muehler (Moeller) was pastor. He subscribed 
himself " Pastor at Harrisburg, East Pennsboro and Beckstein " 
(Shoop's), and continued at Paxton (Shoop's) until 1803. In 
1803 Rev. George Lochman held communion services here. He 
was then pastor at Lebanon. In 1804, November 24, Rev. J. F. 
Ernst officiated at communion services. At this time the congre- 
gation was evidently without a regular pastor. In 1805 Rev. John 
Paul Ferdinand Kramer held confirmation and communion services 
here. He subscribed himself as "der zeit pradiger" — preacher 
for the time being — "Berufen Lehrer, in May town, Lancaster 
county, St. Paul's." He officiated as pastor from 1807 to October 

2, 1808. Here we are left without any record of services for four 
years. On Whit-Monday, 181 3, Rev. F. C. Schaeffer records a 
service held by him as pastor of the church. From the fact that 
he was pastor at Harrisburg from November 22, 181 2, to May, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 25 

1815, it may be inferred that he ministered here also during that 
time. On May 17, 181 6, Rev. George Lochman became pastor, 
and continued until his death, which occurred in July, 1826. In 
1826 Rev. Augustus H. Lochman succeeded his father as pastor, 
and continued until November 29, 1835, when he resigned. 

Then followed: Rev. H. G. Stecher, from 1836 to April 2, 
1847 ; Rev. L. Gerhard, May, 1848, to September 8, 1850 ; Rev. 
Charles F. Stoever, October 1, 1850, to October 28, 1854; Rev. 
George J. Martz, December 1, 1855, to December, 1868; Rev. 
H. D. Kutz, 1869 t0 Ma Y 28 > l8 7! \ Rev - E - Daron, April 1, 
1872, to June 1, 1878; Rev. S. Yingling, June 9, 1878, to July, 
1881; Rev. S. Dasher, September 18, 1881, to 1885; Rev. M. 
V. Shatto, November 10, 1885, to November 1, 1887 ; Rev. T. 
J. Frederick, January 2, 1888, to December 1, 1890 ; Rev. W. L. 
Heisler, April 1, 1890, to the present time. 

It is said the first person that was buried in this graveyard was 
a woman who was killed by Indians, after being scalped by them. 

There is no debt on this church. There is no parsonage be- 
longing to the charge. The amount paid towards the pastor's 
salary is $408.00. It is supposed that English preaching was 
commenced in this church during the pastorate of Rev. Charles 
F. Stoever, about 1850. A Sunday-school was organized in this 
church at an early day. 

The present officers of the church are as follows : 

Elders — William Gerberich, Amos Fisler; Deacons — Morris 
Eshenour, George Machen ; Trustees — Daniel Metz, Martin 
Kahler. 

The Sunday-school numbers, at present, 100 scholars, 15 
teachers, and the following officers : 

Superintendents — G. S. Machen, G. Hetrick; Secretaries — 
L. B. Nye, David Hetrick ; Librarians — William Saul, G. Hain ; 
Treasurer — Alfred Crum ; Organists — Miss Mary Horstick, Miss 
M. Gertie Fisher ; Chorister — John A. Ebersole ; Artist — Daniel 
Fisher. 

During Rev. Mr. Kutz's pastorate a gracious revival of religion 
was enjoyed by this congregation. Many souls were happily 
converted during this revival, of whom many are still alive and 
are active members of the church. During Rev. Mr. Shatto's 



126 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

pastorate there was also a revival meeting held, and quite a 
goodly number of souls were converted to God. 

2. Salem's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oberlin. 

This church was organized in 1844, service being held in a 
school-house in the neighborhood until the church building was 
erected in 1846. September 12, 1846, a deed was made by Peter 
Brenner, Jr., and Rebecca, his wife, to Jacob Baker, Peter Bren- 
ner, Sr., George Hocker, Jacob Eshenour, Sr., and Conrad Peck, 
for the consideration of one dollar. The date on the corner-stone 
is September 12, 1846. There is no date on record when the 
church was dedicated. The church is a frame building, one story 
high, with an end gallery, a vestibule and a steeple. In 1877 the 
church was enlarged and improved at a cost of about one thou- 
sand dollars. There is no record of re-dedication. 

The pastors have been as follows : Rev. J. Vogelbach, 1845 to 
September 22, 1847; Rev. L. Gerhardt, November 4, 1847, to 
October 1, 1850; Rev. J. Vogelbach, October 13, 1850, to April 
n, 1852; Rev. D. Maier, April, 1852; Rev. George J. Martz, 
December 1, 1855, to October 27, 1868 ; Rev. H. D. Kutz, 1869 
to August 18, 1871 ; Rev. E. Daron, April i, 1872, to January 1, 
1878, when he resigned and left; Rev. Samuel Yingling, June i, 
1878, to July 1881 ; Rev. S. Dasher, September 18. 1881, to 
1885; Rev. M. V. Shatto, December 1, 1885, to November 1, 
1887; Rev. T. J. Frederick, January 2, 1888, to December 1, 
1890 ; Rev. W. L. Heisler, April 1, 1891, to the present time. 

This congregation has always been in connection with Shoop's 
church. English preaching was introduced in this church when 
Rev. George J. Martz was pastor. There is no debt remaining 
on the church property. There is no parsonage belonging to the 
charge. This congregation pays $264 towards the pastor's salary. 
Five families take the Lutheran Observer. There is a Christian 
Endeavor Society in connection with the church, which is con- 
ducted by the young people. 

The Sunday-school was organized March 29, 1874, at which 
time the following officers were elected : Superintendent, Frank 
C. Earnest ; Assistant Superintendent, Christian Hess ; Secretary, 
A. B. Dunkle ; Treasurer, Henry Becker; Librarian, Jacob Rei- 
gert ; Assistant Librarian, Mrs. Dobson. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 12 7 

The first session was held the following Sunday, April 5, 1874, 
at 1 : 30 p. m. The present officers are : Superintendent, Samuel 
A. Brehm ; Assistant Superintendent, Jacob Reigert ; Secretary, 
Elmore Handshaw ; Librarian, Jacob E. Bishop ; Assistant Li- 
brarian, Miss Maggie Hocker ; Treasurer, George Hocker. There 
are at present twenty-one officers and teachers and two hundred 
and nineteen scholars. 

The present officers of this church are as follows : Elders — 
Joseph Brehm, John Pifer ; Deacons — Benjamin C. Hoover, John 
W. Shakespere, Jr. ; Trustees — Michael Barnhardt, John B. Reed. 



XX. ZION CHURCH, HARRISBURG. 

BY REV. D. M. GILBERT, D. D. 

Prior to the year 1787 the Christian people of all denomina- 
tions in Harrisburg, then a town of about one hundred houses, 
worshiped together in a small log school-house which stood on the 
north corner of Third and Walnut streets, at the foot of what is 
now Capitol Hill. They enjoyed only such irregular and occa- 
sional services as might be obtained from visiting ministers. 

On March 12, 1787, a subscription was opened to procure funds 
for the erection of the first church edifice of the town. The sub- 
scribers were largely Germans, members of the Lutheran and 
Reformed churches, and although others were granted certain 
privileges in it, the building was jointly owned and statedly occu- 
pied by the people of these two communions. The first church 
in Harrisburg, built of logs, was erected in the year above named, 
on lot No. 187 (corner Third and Chestnut streets), which was 
donated for the purpose, under certain reservations, by John 
Harris, the founder of the town. The building was 35 feet 5 
inches by 30 feet 5 inches in dimensions, an . was used jointly by 
the two congregations for about 27 years. After the death of 
John Harris, in 1791, his heirs released all their interest in the 
church lot to the Trustees of the Reformed and Lutheran churches 
for the sum of five shillings. Rev. A. Hautz became the first pas- 
tor of the Reformed church (and first resident minister of the 
town), while the Lutheran congregation was served, more or less 



128 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

regularly, by Rev. F. D. Schaeffer, of Carlisle. These two con- 
gregations appear to have been united in their temporal affairs and 
all church regulations from 1787 to 1795. ^ n tne latter year Rev. 
Henry Moeller became the first regular resident pastor of our 
church in Harrisburg, and with his ministry its Protocol, or Regis- 
ter, begins. The first entry in the record of baptisms reads : 
"Benjamin, born 20th Feb'y, baptized 29th March (1795). 
Parents, Benjamin Kurtz and wife Elizabeth." 

In 1 8 14, under the pastorship of Rev. Frederick Christian 
Schaeffer, the congregation, feeling that the time had come for 
them to build a church for their own exclusive use, purchased a 
desirable lot on Fourth street, between Market and Chestnut 
streets, which has continued to be the site of their church home 
to this day. On January 26, in the year named, a Building Com- 
mittee was appointed, consisting of Christian Kunkel, Geo. Youse, 
Geo. Ziegler and Christian Stahl, who, on the 14th of the month 
following, contracted with Stephen Hills for the building of a 
handsome brick church. The corner-stone was laid June 22, 
18 14, the following ministers being present : Revs. George 
Schmucker, of Yorktown, Geo. Lochman, of Lebanon, H. Van- 
hoff, of Jonestown, W. G. Ernst, of Marietta, and J. P. Hecht, of 
Carlisle. The church was dedicated October i, 18 15, Revs. 
Schmucker, Vanhoff and Hecht taking part in the services of the 
occasion. The afternoons of October 16 and 17 were set apart 
for the renting of the pews, when, in the words of the original re- 
cord, " to the complete surprise of everybody every pew was taken 
the first day." In 181 6 the congregation sold their interest in 
the old church and lot to their Reformed brethren for one thou- 
sand dollars. In the year 1822 a large two-story brick school- 
house was built on the lot at the side of the church, particularly 
for the accommodation of the Sunday school. In 1829 the 
church was improved by the building of a steeple upon it, in 
which a bell was placed, and on October 21, 1838, the entire edi- 
fice and the adjoining school-house were destroyed by fire. On 
the following day, in compliance with the request of the vestry 
and the pastor, Rev. Samuel Sprecher, the congregation assembled 
at the ruins, and promptly resolved that the church should be re- 
built. A committee was at once appointed to take general over- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 29 

sight of the enterprise, and so vigorously was the work prosecuted 
that on November to (Luther Day), 1839, the new Zion was 
dedicated. It was 64 feet front and 84 feet deep, with basement, 
lecture room and Sunday-school rooms. It was built of brick, 
covered with composition, painted white, and in the cupola hung 
two bells. It was in this new and spacious building, before its dedi- 
cation, that the convention was held which nominated General 
W. H. Harrison for President and John Tyler for Vice-President 
of the United States. The edifice was remodeled and enlarged 
in 1867-68 at an expense of nearly forty thousand dollars, includ- 
ing the organ and a chime of eleven bells. It is now 104 feet 
deep by 64 front, and its tower and spire 175 feet high. At this 
time (September, 1892) a chapel extension is being added to 
the Sunday-school rooms and other improvements under way, at 
an estimated cost of six thousand dollars. 

ZION'S PASTORS. 

Between 1 795 and the present time our congregation has been 
served by twelve regular pastors, as follows : Henry Moeller, 
from 1795 t0 I ^°3 5 J onn Dietrich Peterson, from April, 1803, 
to 181 2; Fred'k Christian SchaefTer, from November, 181 2, to 
June, 18 1 5 ; George Lochman, from August 30, 181 5, to the day 
of his death, July 10, 1826 ; Augustus H. Lochman, from April 
2, 1827, to February 17, 1836; Samuel Sprecher, from June 6, 
1836, to November, 1840; Charles W. SchaefTer, from January, 
1 84 1, to June, 1849 ; Charles A. Hay, from July 8, 1849, t0 Sep- 
tember 4, 1865 ; George F. Stelling, from December 21, 1865, to 
July 1, 1875; J oe l Swartz, from September, 1875, t0 x 88o; 
Albert H. Studebaker, from February, 1881, to November, 1886; 
D. M. Gilbert, from December 1, 1887, to the present time. 

ZION'S CHILDREN. 

Our congregation has not only an extended, but a very credit- 
able history. Ever zealous for the spread of the Redeemer's 
kingdom, she has been a faithful mother of churches. The first 
two pastors officiated at public service in the German language 
alone ; but about the year 1812, yielding to the demand of many 
members for a change, the use of the English tongue was intro- 



I30 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

duced. The English services steadily increased in number up to 
1842, when scarcely one sermon a month was given in German. 
This state of things was far from satisfactory to the Germans, and 
both the English and the German portions of the membership hav- 
ing sufficiently increased in numbers, a friendly separation was 
effected, and on January 8, 1843, St. Michael's German Lutheran 
church was organized, with Rev. G. J. Martz as its first pastor. 
From that time forward the services in Zion have been, of course, 
altogether in the English language. 

In 1863 a second German church (Zion) was organized sev- 
eral squares north of the Capitol, St. Michael's being on South 
Second street, in the lower part of the city. 

Messiah Church, corner of Sixth & Forster streets, grew out of 
a Mission Sunday-school, founded on East State street, January 
n, 1858, by the Sunday-school Association of Zion church. In 
March of that year a lot was leased and a small chapel built, in 
which, during the following winter, Dr. Hay preached on alternate 
Sunday afternoons. The congregation was regularly organized 
September 13, i860, with Rev. E. S. Johnston as first pastor. On 
June 1, 1890, Messiah congregation established Augsburg Mission 
Sunday-school in the north part of the city, and within a year 
past dismissed about 100 members to form a church at that 
point, which, under the pastoral care of Rev. Dixon H. Geiser, is 
rapidly developing into a flourishing congregation. 

Memorial Church, in East Harrisburg, had its origin in a like 
enterprise started by Zion Sunday-school Association in 187 1, at 
15th & Shoop streets. The congregation was regularly organized 
February 25, 1872, under Rev. S. Dasher, who is faithfully serv- 
ing it to this day. Sixty-two members of Memorial church dis- 
missed for that purpose organized Christ church, on South 13th 
street, March 23, 1890. Rev. T. L. Crouse is its pastor, and the 
congregation is going forward steadily and prosperously. Christ 
church, in turn, has under its care a Mission School at Brook- 
wood, or East End, which it is hoped will, in due time, develop 
into the Third Lutheran church of East Harrisburg. 

In the early part of 1887, and while without a pastor, Zion 
church dismissed about one hundred valuable and esteemed 
members to establish Bethlehem church, corner of Green and 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 131 

Cumberland streets, in which portion of the city she had for some 
years previously maintained a Mission Sunday-school. Rev. W. 
H. Fishburn became the pastor of the congregation, which, within 
five years, has become numerically stronger than the mother 
church. 

Ever watchful of her opportunities and desiring never to grow 
weary in well-doing, the congregation again, through her Teachers' 
Association, on November n, 1888, (largely induced to the step 
by the interest and liberality of Mr. Jos. F. Young, one of her 
faithful members) started Trinity Mission, on South Ninth street. 
The Sunday-school rapidly grew to a membership of three hun- 
dred and fifty teachers and scholars, and the present pastor of 
Zion conducted service every Thursday night throughout the 
winter with encouraging results. Rev. M. L. Deitzler was called 
to take charge of the enterprise in connection with a mission at 
Steelton, and began his labors July 1, 1890. The congregation was 
formally organized May 17, 1891. Though yet partially depend- 
ent on the mother church and the Home Mission Board for 
support, Trinity has good prospects of becoming an assured 
success. 

It will be seen from these brief notes that our Church in Harris- 
•burg has been keeping pace with the growth of the city. Where, 
in 1843, we na d one church (Zion), and one pastor, there are 
now nine churches (seven English and two German), each hav- 
ing a pastor, and reporting an aggregate membership of 3,228 
communicants. The recent development has been very remark- 
able. Within five years we have averaged one new congregation 
every 15 months; and four handsome and costly church edifices 
and two spacious chapels (exclusive of the chapel extension now 
being added to Zion) have been erected among us within four 
years. 

Almost every advance movement in this expansion of the past 
half century, it is proper to note, has been to some extent, and 
sometimes to a very large extent, at the expense of the mother 
church, as regards both members and money. 

ZION AND THE SYNOD. 

In her earliest history Zion church, as our old churches gener- 



132 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

ally in this region, belonged to the Pennsylvania Ministerium. 
During the ministry of Rev. C. A. Hay, in 1857, she withdrew 
from that relation and became a constituent part of the Synod of 
East Pennsylvania. The records of this latter body will abun- 
dantly show that, notwithstanding much, and at times expensive, 
local mission work in which the congregation has been engaged, 
she has always been deeply interested in and faithfully borne her 
full share of the burden of the Synod's general work. 

zion's present. 

This congregation is now sharing, to some extent, in the ex- 
perience common to old churches in growing cities. She finds 
herself, at the end of her century and more of life, somewhat 
disadvantageously situated with reference to the population 
generally and with reference to many of her own membership. 
Her stately edifice is rapidly being surrounded by business 
houses, instead of residences, and her territory has been so cir- 
cumscribed by the younger organizations she has been instru- 
mental in establishing in every direction about her, that rapid 
numerical increase of the congregation can scarcely be reasonably 
expected. But she does not complain, much less yield to dis- 
couragement. There are strength and vigor in the old church 
yet, as evidenced by the statistical reports for the year. She is 
still bringing forth fruit in old age — is engaged even now in en- 
larging her facilities for work among the children and youth upon 
whom she has a claim and, humbly looking to God for a continu- 
ance of the favor with which He long has so richly blessed her, 
still sets her face toward the future in earnest hope. 



XXI. FISHERVILLE CHARGE, DAUPHIN CO. — ST. 

PETER'S, ST. PAUL'S, STRAW'S, MESSIAH, ST. JAMES', 

STAR OF BETHLEHEM. 

BY REV. J. M. STOVER. 

The Fisherville charge is located in Armstrong and Powell's 
valleys, Dauphin Co., Pa. The land is rolling, and in good culti- 
vation. The roads are comparatively good. The people speak 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 33 

the Pennsylvania German dialect in most families. The English 
is also spoken and is gradually taking the place of the German. 

The history of the churches upon this territory begins with the 
early settlement of these valleys, over one hundred years ago, but 
the "Fisherville Charge" was not formally organized until about 
the year 1848. It then included Messiah, Straw's and St. Paul's 
churches, and was served by the pastors of the Berrysburg charge 
until 1855, when it became an independent pastorate. It has 
since been served by the following pastors : 

Revs. L. K. Secrist, 1855 to 1858; John H. Davidson, i860 to 
1862; M. Fernsler, 1863 to 1866; J. G. Breininger, 1867 to 
1868; E. Daron, 1869 to 1872; F. Aurand, 1872 to 1874; S. S. 
Engle, 1874 to 1875 ; Chas. E. Hay, 1876 to 1877 ; J. K. 
Bricker, 1877 to 1879; A. B. Erhard, 1879 to 1883; M. V. 
Shatto, 1884 to 1885; H. A. Letterman, 1886 to 1889; J. M. 
Stover, 1890 to the present. 

During the pastorate of Rev. Daron the charge became self- 
sustaining, and the present comfortable parsonage in Fisherville 
was built. The following ministers have come from this charge : 
Revs. N. A. Whitman, I. P. Zimmerman and I. H. McGann. 

1. St. Peter's (Fetterhoff's) Church. 

The record of this congregation gives an account of baptisms 
as early as 1788. About this time there was a log church erected 
near the present site of St. Peter's. In this rude building the two 
congregations, Lutheran and Reformed, worshiped for at least 
seventy years. We are told by tradition, that the church was 
used for public worship before it was completed, and that the 
young men were required to climb up at the wall and occupy the 
gallery during services. The reader will understand that this was 
not so difficult in an unplastered log house. The method of get- 
ting men to assist in building this church was somewhat different 
from what it is in our day. They worked in the forenoon and 
had shooting-match in the afternoon. 

On Sundays, the early worshipers of this church came with 
their guns on their shoulders ; not so much on account of the 
wily savage, as on account of the wildbeasts that might come 
across their pathway. For a number of years this was the only 



134 EA ST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

church in Armstrong Valley. The settlers of Powell's Valley 
worshiped here. From all around the people came, on horseback, 
or on the big wagon ; more often on foot, walking many miles. It 
was nothing unusual for mothers to come from across* the ridge 
with their babes on one arm, and their shoes on the other. They 
were accustomed to go barefooted, but put on their shoes, which 
they carried with them, before entering church. 

But time brings about changes. Where once the old church 
stood, there are now tombstones marking the last resting-place of 
some of her members. Not far from this sacred spot there stands 
a handsome brick edifice, with tall steeple towering toward the 
skies. The corner-stone of this church was laid September 19, 
1858. It was dedicated to the worship of God sometime during 
the following year. Rev. F. Waltz was the Lutheran pastor, and 
Rev. N. Bressler, the Reformed. This church, after undergoing 
extensive repairs, was re-dedicated on December 13, 1 891, under 
the pastoral care of Rev. J. M. Stover, on the Lutheran side, and 
Rev. C. W. E. Seigle, on the Reformed side. The cost amounted 
to $2,100. 

In the year 1846 the two congregations together purchased 
twelve acres of land, joining the old church lot. This land, in 
connection with a very pleasant home on the church lot, is cal- 
culated for the use of the sexton, and can not be used for a par- 
sonage. 

The venerable Nicholas Stroh, the oldest Lutheran minister in 
the United States, now in his ninety-seventh year, was baptized 
and confirmed in St. Peter's church, and all his relatives are bur- 
ied in its graveyard. He was a brother of Mrs. Rev. Hemping. 
Among the many who are buried here we find the names of Rev. 
John A. Hemping and Rev. N. Bressler. Rev. Hemping was 
born and educated in Germany. He became the Lutheran pas- 
tor of this church in 18 n, and served until 1847. He died in 
1855, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. Rev. N. Bressler 
was the Reformed pastor for many years. He died in 1877. 

St. Peter's church formerly belonged to the Lykens Valley 
charge, and to the old Pennsylvania Synod. But in 1869, through 
the influence of Rev. E. Daron, it came over to the General 
Synod, and was made part of the Fisherville charge. The prin- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 35 

cipal reason for making this change was the inconvenience of 
being served by a pastor living in Lykens Valley, when at the 
same time there was a Lutheran pastor living in Fisherville and 
right among the members. 

Up to this time the congregation had been served by the fol- 
lowing pastors : Rev. Enterlein, 1795 t0 I ^°7 j ^ ev - J- D. Peter- 
son, 1807 to 1811 ; Rev. John A. Hemping, 1811 to 1847; R- ev - 
W. G. Laitzle, 1841 to 1843 ; Rev. Jer. Schindel, 1843 to T ^45 ) 
Rev. C. F. Stoever, 1845 t0 I ^5° \ R ev - N. Jeager, 1850 to 1852 ; 
Rev. F. Waltz, 1855 to 1869. From 1842 to 1847 there were two 
parties in the congregation, each having its own pastor. 

This congregation used to pay the trifling sum of twelve dollars 
per year for pastor's salary. It now, with a smaller membership, 
pays more than three times that amount per quarter. 

2. St. Paul's (Bowerman's). 

This congregation, located in Powell's Valley, was built in 
1824, under the pastoral care of Rev. John A. Hemping and 
Rev. Gerhard. The church was built by Lutherans and Re- 
formed, and the two congregations still worship in it. 

3. Straw's. 

Straw's church, in the upper end of Armstrong Valley, was 
erected in the summer of 1842. It was built by Lutheran mem- 
bers of the old St. John's church, who were unwilling to yield 
their convictions to the rulings of that church on " the new 
measures." This church stands in sight of the old one. It was 
at one time in a prosperous condition, but since a new church 
has been built at Jacksonville this congregation has been weak- 
ened, and of late years has not been served by regular preaching. 

4. Messiah, Fisherville. 

For several years previous to the formation of the " Fisherville 
Charge," there was trouble in St. Peter's church on account of 
revival methods. The congregation was divided. There was 
bitter feeling on both sides, and the result was that a new consti- 
tution was adopted, which forever prohibited the use of the 



136 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

anxious-bench in that church. In view of this fact, the excluded 
party resolved to build in Fisherville. Accordingly the corner- 
stone of a new church, named Messiah, was there laid on Septem- 
ber 9, 1849. It was built as a Lutheran and Reformed church, 
and remains so to this day, but for some years the Reformed have 
had no organization here. This church was remodeled in 1885, 
under the pastoral care of Rev. M. V. Shatto. 

5. St. James'. 

This church was built by the Lutherans and Reformed in 1856. 
It is located at Carsonville, in the upper end of Powell's Valley. 
The first man buried in its graveyard was Jacob Bordner. 

6. Star of Bethlehem. 

The church at Jacksonville, in Armstrong Valley, known as 
"The Star of Bethlehem," was built in 1875. The lot was pre- 
sented by Mr. G. W. D. Enders, of the Reformed church, and 
Mr. John Helt, of the Lutheran. The church, which cost origin- 
ally about $2,500, is finely located, in good condition, and has 
been recently re-painted. The first officers on the Lutheran side 
were : Philip Enders, elder ; Wm. Fitting, deacon ; Daniel En- 
ders, trustee. Those on the Reformed side were : Joseph Lyter, 
elder ; Daniel Whitman, deacon ; G. W. D. Enders, trustee. The 
Reformed have for some years had no organization here. 



XXII. BERRYSBURG CHARGE, DAUPHIN CO.— SALEM, 

KILLINGER ; SALEM, BERRYSBURG ; ST. PAUL'S, 

MILLERSBURG. 



BY REV. B. F. KAUTZ. 



i. Salem (Wert's) Church, Killinger P. O. 
This congregation, known formerly as "Wert's Church," is 
quite old, thought to be the oldest congregation in Lykens Val- 
ley. It is located in Upper Paxton township, two and one -half 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 137 

'miles northeast of Millersburg, and seven and one- half miles 
west of Berrysburg. There are no old records preserved and 
we are obliged to depend for dates upon the memory of the 
older members. The date of its organization we have been un- 
able to learn, but it lies back in the last century. " Grandfather 
Wert," whose descendants of the fourth generation are still living 
in the vicinity, presented sixty acres of land for church uses. 
The greater portion of this, with a dwelling house and barn 
erected upon it, was rented for many years. About 1870, when 
the project of building a new church was being agitated, all of 
this ground except ten acres was sold. 

The present large two-story brick edifice, costing about $12,000, 
was erected in 1874; the former building, which stood a little 
distance away, was erected in 18 12, whilst a few of the oldest 
members remember still the site of the first building, a small log 
church, abandoned in 181 2, which stood a little distance from the 
second one. The list of pastors serving this church as far back 
as we could gather is as follows : 

About the beginning of the century Rev. Andrew (?) Schultz 
was pastor of Salem and St. John's (near Berrysburg) and formed 
one class of catechumens for the entire territory, meeting them 
alternately in the two churches, and confirming seventy- six 
in one year. It is probable that Rev. John Paul Ferdinand 
Kramer served them about 1805, and Rev. John A. Hemping 
from 181 1 until 1842. Then came Revs. W. G. Laitzle, 1842 to 
1843 ') C. F. Stoever, 1846 to 1852 ; Jacob Martin, 1852 to 1853 ; 
D. Sell, 1853 to i860; P. P. Lane, 1861 to 1862; G. P. Weaver, 
1862 to 1863; C.A. Fetzer, 1863 to 1866; M. Fernsler, 1866 to 
1878 ; Geo. C. Henry, 1879 to 1882 ; J. Fishburn, 1883 to 1890 ; 
B. F. Kautz, 1890 to the present. 

2. Salem Church, Berrysburg. 

This congregation sprang from St. John's Lutheran church (now 
of the General Council), standing about a mile from the town. 
There are no old records preserved, but from the recollections of 
the older members we gathered the data here given. The organ- 
ization must have been effected about the year 1841 or 1842 by 
Rev. J. P. Schindel, then pastor of St. John's. The present 



138 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

church building, a one-story stone structure, was erected some 
time in 1844, in union with the Reformed congregation, and is 
still a union church. In 1875 it was enlarged and remodeled. 
Owing to the nearness of St. John's it has always been a weak 
congregation, having little texritory. The list of pastors serving 
here is the same as that of Salem church at Killinger. 

3. St. Paul's Church, Millersburg. 

About sixty years ago, when Millersburg had a population of 
about three hundred, Father Hemping, pastor then of Lykens 
Valley charge, preached here occasionally in the German language 
in the old school-house About 1837 Rev. S. D. Finckel, re- 
siding at Middletown, came up to Millersburg about every four 
weeks and preached. In 1842 Rev. W. G. Laitzle, one of the 
founders of the East Pennsylvania Synod, who had been called to 
the charge in Armstrong Valley, crossed Berry's Mountain and 
preached here and in the valley church, now Salem or Killinger. 
In 1846 Rev. C. F. Stoever, of the Berrysburg charge, preached 
occasionally here during a pastorate of six years. From 1852 to 
1853 Rev. Jacob Martin, of the same charge, preached here 
occasionally. Rev. D. Sell entered the Berrysburg charge in 
November, 1853, and began preaching regularly in the school- 
house. After laboring for a year he organized St. Paul's congre- 
gation in the latter part of 1854, with the following nine members : 
Simon Wert, Levi Miller, Christian Walborn, Daniel Martz, 
David Kramer, Mary Seal, Catharine Walborn, Sarah Hebel and 
Hannah Auchmuty. Simon Wert was chosen as elder, which 
office he has held continuously, and still holds at the present 
time, a period of thirty-eight years, and will hold it to his death. 
He is truly a prince in Israel. Through Rev. Sell's labors a church 
building was erected on Centre street, which is now occupied by 
the Reformed church. This building was dedicated on Christ- 
mas Day, 1856. Rev. P. Willard, of Danville, preached the dedi- 
cation sermon. The first communion was held March 22, 1857, 
with fifteen communicants. Upon Mr. Sell's resignation Rev. 
P. P. Lane entered the charge, serving from 1861 to 1862. Mr. 
Lane was followed by Rev. G. P. Weaver, who served 1 862-1 863. 
Rev. C. A. Fetzer entered the Berrysburg charge April, 1863, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 39 

remaining here three years. In December, 1866, Rev. M. 
Fernsler assumed the pastoral care of this charge. 

The charge had consisted up to this time of Lykens, Berrys- 
burg, Salem and Millersburg. In 187 1 Lykens withdrew from 
the charge, leaving the three last-named congregations forming 
the Berrysburg charge. The same year, also, some difficulty hav- 
ing arisen between the Lutheran and Reformed congregations 
here in Millersburg, the question of separation came up, and 
after a lengthy discussion the Lutherans sold out their interest 
in the old church to the Reformed for fourteen hundred dollars 
($1400). 

Ground for the new church was broken in March, 1873. The 
cool judgment of all was that not more than $3000 at the best 
could be secured for a church, yet this weak little congregation 
built and paid for a building costing them about $16,000. The 
corner-stone was laid July 13, 1873. Besides the pastor there 
were present D. Sell, D. Kloss and U. Graves. In June, 1874, 
the basement was dedicated, Rev. Dr. Reinmund preaching the 
sermon. At the time of dedication there had been paid in cash 
$1000, with another $1000 in subscriptions. 

During the six following years the congregation worshiped in 
the basement, and the work of finishing went on as they were able 
to raise the funds. Every year current expenses were met, inter- 
est on debt of $2700 paid, as well as pastor's salary and small 
subscriptions gathered for finishing the building. 

In November, 1878, Rev. M. Fernsler, after a pastorate of 
twelve years, resigned. The charge remained vacant for eight 
months, when Rev. Geo. C. Henry, of the Theological Seminary, 
was called, and entered upon the charge in July, 1879. 

Early in 1880, at a congregational meeting, it was resolved to 
finish the audience room ; work was begun, and it was finally 
dedicated to the service of God November 14, 1880, Rev. F. W. 
Conrad, D. D., preaching the dedication sermon. A debt of up- 
wards of $3000 was left to the congregation, which they just fin- 
ished paying last year, and are now free of debt. In December, 
1882, Rev. Geo. C. Henry resigned, and was followed by Rev. J. 
Fishburn, who served them from 1 883-1 890. In July, 1890, Rev. 
B. F. Kautz assumed charge. 



140 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

XXIII. ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. 

BY W. M. BAUM, D. D. 

The first Lutheran preacher in Philadelphia of whom we have 
record was Rev. Gerhard Henkel, between the years 1720 and 
1728. In 1732 Rev. John Christian Schultze officiated. In 1733 
we meet with the name of Rev. John Caspar Stoever. From 1 734 
to 1737 there appears to have been a vacancy. In 1737 John 
Philip Streiter, though unordained, supplied the pulpit. In 1742 
Count Zinzendorff presented himself as a Lutheran pastor, and 
received a call May 30th. He appointed John C. Pyrlaeus as his 
assistant, who was dismissed as early as July 29th. In August, 
1742, Valentine Kraft, who had been dismissed from his office in 
Germany, succeeded in detaching a portion of the congregation. 
December 5, 1742, Dr. Henry Melchior Miihlenberg began his 
ministry. Kraft withdrew to Germantown and ZinzendorrT re- 
turned to Europe. During 1843 St. Michael's church was built. 
January 26, 1745, Rev. Peter Brunnholtz became assistant pastor, 
and was soon left in sole charge of the city congregation, whilst 
Dr. Muhlenberg served the Trappe and New Hanover churches. 
July 26, 1753, Rev. J. D. M. Heintzelman became assistant pas- 
tor, holding the position until his death, February 9, 1756. Mr. 
Brunnholtz, long in feeble health, died July 5, 1757. In Novem- 
ber, 1757, Rev. John Frederick Handschuh became pastor and 
served until his death, October 9, 1764. In November, 1761, 
Dr. Muhlenberg, who was still nominally pastor, was recalled, and 
remained until 1779, resigning the active ministry in 1774. Octo- 
ber 28, 1765, Rev. Christopher Emanuel Schultze became assistant 
and remained until December, 1770. October 8, 1770, Rev. 
Christopher Kunze was elected third pastor. In December Rev. 
Schultze removed to Tulpehocken, and Dr. Muhlenberg's son, 
Henry Ernst Miihlenberg, became assistant. In 1773 he was 
elected third pastor, remaining such until April 8, 1779. April 4, 
1774, Dr. Muhlenberg resigned, having served 16 years. In June, 
1779, Dr. Justus Henry Christian Helmuth was elected as suc- 
cessor to Dr. Muhlenberg. Dr. Kunze removed to New York, 
1784, and was succeeded by Dr. John Frederick Schmidt. The 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 141 

distinction between senior and junior ministers was removed. 
In 1 794, December 26, Zion's church, built between 1766 and 
1769, was destroyed by fire, but was immediately rebuilt, and re- 
dedicated November 27, 1796. 

As early as 1796 demands for English services began, which 
culminated, in 1806, in the organization of St. John's church. 
Again in 1815 a new demand for English services arose, which, 
after a long struggle and bitter contention, resulted in the organ- 
ization of St. Matthew's church in 1818. 

Dr. Schmidt died May 12, 1812, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Frederick David SchaerTer, who served until 1834. Dr. Helmuth 
retired in 1822 and was succeeded bv Rev. C. R. Demme. 



St. Matthew's, Philadelphia, Pa. 

The organization of St. Matthew's, Philadelphia, was consum- 
mated January 26, 18 r 8, by the signing of the constitution on the 
part of those designing to enter it. Being without church ac- 
commodations, the academy building on Fourth street, between 
Arch and Market, was secured for use and occupied until 1830, 
when the edifice on New street, below Fourth, was dedicated. 
The congregation had no regular pastor until the year 1827, when 
Rev. Charles P. Krauth, Sr., began his ministry. The names of 
Rev. Christian F. Cruse and Rev. David Eyster, with others, ap- 
pear as temporary supplies during this period. It was a time of 
difficulty and struggle. 

The real life of St. Matthew's began with the securing of a per- 
manent pastor. Being highly favored in obtaining the services of 
so able a divine and acceptable a preacher as Dr. Krauth, they 
soon emerged from their unsatisfactory surroundings in the old 
academy, and for nearly fifty years worshiped in the church on New 
street. The ministry of Dr. Krauth continued from 1827 to 1833, 
when he was called to Gettysburg, Pa., and placed over the newly- 
chartered Pennsylvania College as its President. An interval of 
some months occurred before a successor was secured, during 
which time the pulpit was occupied by the Rev. Simeon W. Har- 
key, then only a theological student. Rev. Jacob Medtart, of 
Martinsburg, Va., took pastoral charge of St. Matthew's in No- 



142 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



vember, 1834. His ministry was attended with no little congre- 
gational agitation and disturbance, and terminated in 1838. Rev. 
Stephen A. Mealy, of Savannah, Ga., then took charge, but his 
views and methods were not entirely acceptable to many of the 
congregation, so that a mutual separation was not long delayed. 




ST. MATTHEW'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. 



Rev. Theophilus Stork, of Winchester, Va., became pastor in 
October, 1841. With his advent there came a new era of pros- 
perity. Faithful labor, earnest evangelic methods, able and edi- 
fying ministrations in public and in private, brought gratifying re- 
sults. The influence and the revenues of the church were largely 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 43 

increased. Additions were numerous, new fields of operation 
were needed and soon found, and a cluster of new organizations 
was the result, culminating in the establishment of St. Mark's Lu- 
theran church on Spring Garden street, above Thirteenth, of which 
Rev. Stork became pastor, resigning St. Matthew's in 1850. Rev. 
Edwin W. Hutter was installed pastor of St. Matthew's September, 
1850, and rendered an unbroken service of twenty-three years. 
He was admirably qualified for the field to which he was called. 
Under his fostering care its energies were quickened into vigor- 
ous life, and enterprise after enterprise was inaugurated. If Dr. 
Krauth stands forth as the scholar among the pastors of St. Mat- 
thew's, and Br. Stork as the preacher, to Dr. Hutter unquestion- 
ably belongs the distinction of being the model pastor. He 
enjoyed in unusual degree the esteem, the love and the confidence 
of the congregation and the community. The period of his min- 
istry was marked by internal peace and external activity. He 
died in 1873. Rev. William M. Baum, D. D., followed Dr. Hut- 
ter. He was installed in March, 1874, and continues in charge. 
This ministry is marked by the transfer, in 1876, of the congrega- 
tion from New street to Broad and Mt. Vernon streets. A new 
and commodious church and chapel and parsonage have been 
erected, and with the exception of a small balance of the ground 
rent, all indebtedness has been canceled. 

From its continuous anniversaries it appears that the Sabbath- 
school bears equal date with the congregation. No doubt, for a 
considerable time, this was the only bond of union, the only cen- 
tre of operations for the new enterprise. For a period of forty- 
six years it had but one and the same superintendent, in the per- 
son of Martin Buehler, Esq., whose name deserves special mention 
in this sketch. At his death, in 1S80, his personal friend and 
business partner, Mr. Charles P. Suesserott, took his place in the 
school. He also served until relieved by death in 1887. Since 
then his position has been filled by William J. Miller, Esq. 

St. Matthew's has not only maintained its own congregational 
life unimpaired, but has been instrumental in the establishment of 
St. Mark's, St. Luke's, St. Peter's, Grace and Messiah Lutheran 
churches. It is now fully equipped for the most active and zeal- 
ous service of the Master. 



144 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

XXIV. EAST PETERSBURG CHARGE.— TRINITY, LON- 
DONDERRY, IN LEBANON CO. ; ZION'S, EAST 
PETERSBURG, AND GRACE, MANHEIM, IN 
LANCASTER COUNTY. 

BY MR. L. M. PERVEIL. 

i. Trinity Church, Londonderry Township, Lebanon County. 

Very little can be gathered concerning this church. The 
church record is very imperfect, and the old members have died 
away, leaving but a few who know anything about the congrega- 
tion. As far as known, this church was erected in the year 1818, 
but the corner-stone of the present building was laid in 1842. 
The Building Committee were as follows, viz. : Jacob Missimer, 
John Baker, Joseph Porter and George Baker. Officers — Trustee, 
Jacob Missimer ; Elder, George Baker ; Deacons, Philip Keener 
and Jacob Yingst. 

The congregation was served by Revs. L. Gerhardt, Martin 
Sondhaus, Wm. G. Laitzle, 1854-1859, Mark Harpel, 1859-1870, 
and others. For a long time the congregation was without a pas- 
tor. On September 22, 1872, Rev. J. Peter took charge of the 
few members left, and has been serving the congregation ever 
since (except from September, 1890, to June, 1891) with ac- 
ceptance. 

He has labored hard and faithfully, and the congregation, 
though not strong in membership, numbering only seventy, is 
active. May the great Head of the Church continue to prosper it. 

2. Zion's Church, East Petersburg, Lancaster County. 

The East Petersburg congregation was organized by Rev. 
Reuben S. W. Wagner, and was named Zion's. The corner-stone 
was laid in the year 1847. I n x ^49 R- ev - Wagner resigned, and 
Rev. J. H. Menges became the pastor, serving until February n, 
1852. 

November 1, 1852, Rev. Adelbert Charles Roderico Rueter 
took charge of the congregation. Others followed, viz. : Revs. 
Jacob Albert, 1853-1855 • J. H. Menges, 1855-1857; Geo. 
Haines, 1857-1858; Jno. Early, 1862-1863 ; Joseph Focht, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 45 

1864-1868; Jacob Kaempfer, 1868-1869, and S. S. Engle, 
1870-1874. 

August 9, 1874, the present pastor, Rev. J. Peter, took charge 
of the congregation, and has served them up to the present time 
with the exception of a brief period, from September, 1890, to 
June, 1 89 1. The congregation has steadily increased, and is now 
in a prosperous condition. 

The preaching is now conducted in both the German and 
the English languages, the latter taking the lead. 

3. Grace Church, Manheim, Lancaster County. 

This congregation is at this time but a year and a half old, and 
hence the history will be brief. It was formed by about forty-six 
persons who were regularly dismissed from Zion's Lutheran con- 
gregation of Manheim, and was organized April 4, 1891, by the 
Rev. W. H. Dunbar, of Lebanon, then President of the East 
Pennsylvania Synod. 

The following officers were elected : Elders — S. D. Miller and 
George Gromlish ; Deacons — T. S. Burns, S. Will, W. Zink and 
L. M. Perveil. The last named was chosen as Secretary. 

Rev. J. Peter, of Bellwood, Pa., was authorized by the Presi- 
dent of Synod to install the officers, which was done April 12, 
3891. 

A congregational meeting was called April 26, 1891, at which 
Rev. D. S. Kurtz, of Felton, York Co., presided. A unanimous 
call was then extended to Rev. J. Peter, which was accepted, and 
on the 1 st of June, 1891, he entered upon his duties. 

The members had left the old church without a penny • but, 
through the earnest work and self-sacrificing spirit of the pastor, 
the congregation soon moved forward. A small chapel, owned by 
the M. E. church, was rented for the time being. Soon an effort 
was made to purchase a lot suitable for a church, which work was 
accomplished in a short time. The corner-stone of the new 
building was laid July 31, 1892. The pastor was assisted by the 
Rev. G. J. Martz, of Lebanon. The church at this writing is 
almost ready for dedication, and will compare with any church in 
Manheim or with the majority in the East Pennsylvania Synod. 
The prospect of this congregation is bright. 



146 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

XXV. LITITZ CHARGE, LANCASTER CO.— KISSEL HILL, 
NEFFSVILLE, LITITZ. 

BY REV. I. W. BOBST. 

The Lititz charge is composed of three congregations, Kissel 
Hill being the oldest, and the mother of two vigorous daughters, 
St. Paul's, of Lititz, and the NerTsville congregation. As is so 
often the case, the mother has made large sacrifices, to her own 
detriment, for the enrichment of her offspring. She has greatly 
decreased in her membership, whilst they are steadily increasing. 

1. Salem Church, Kissel Hill. 

The Kissel Hill congregation was organized in 1823, and united 
with the Reformed element of the community in founding Salem 
union church. A lot was purchased of John Frank at a cost of 
$60.00, the corner-stone laid June 1, 1823, and a substantial brick 
church dedicated May 24, 1824. Rev. W. Baetes and Dr. Andrews 
(Lutheran) and Revs. Leinbach and D. Hertz (Reformed) were 
present on that occasion. In the style of the times it had a wine- 
glass pulpit, painfully suggestive to the ministry in this age of re- 
form, and panel casing around the pews, symbolical of the rigid 
orthodoxy of its devotees. The cost of the edifice was $2,000. 
In 1848 a steeple with a bell was added, at a cost of $217.60. 
In 1872 the spirit of the age removed the grotesque pulpit and 
panels, and in 1887 the church was again repaired and carpeted. 

The following are the pastorates : Rev. William Baetes, 1824 to 
1839 l Rev - Chas. P. Miller, 1839 to 1841 ; Rev. Christopher G. 
Frederick, 1842 to 1846; Rev. Chas. A. Barnitz, 1846 to 1852; 
Rev. Chas. A. Barnitz, 1853 to 1854; Rev. Chas. Rees, 1855 to 
1856; Rev. D. P. Rosenmiller, 1857 to 1862 ; Rev. S. R. Boyer, 
1862 to 1864 ; Rev. J. R. Focht, 1864 to 1868. Up to 1864 the 
preaching was nearly all in German. 

From 1864 to 1871 the congregation vacillated between the 
General Council and the General Synod, a majority being in 
favor of the General Council. Rev. S. S. Engle became pastor 
about the year 187 1, and preached for several years, gathering in 
quite a number of members. He was afterwards deposed from 
the ministry. Rev. J. Peter then took charge, and served the 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 147 

people faithfully till 1886. The pastorate of Rev. VV. H. Lewars 
began October 15, 1886, and ended April 15, 1889. The present 
pastor, Rev. I. Walton Bobst, assumed charge June i, 1889. 
The congregation in its palmiest days had about two hundred 
members. It now numbers about one hundred. The preaching 
is partly in German and partly in English. 

2. St. Peter's Church, Neffsville. 

In the spring of 1880 about thirty members of the Kissel Hill 
church amicably withdrew and formed the congregation of Neffs- 
ville. Through the influence of the sainted John Wechter, 
assisted by a noble little band of workers, the Neffsville church 
was erected. The corner-stone was laid during the summer of 
1880, and the church dedicated June 26, 1881. Rev. J. Peter, the 
pastor, and Rev. R. W. Hufford, D. D., presided on this occasion. 
This congregation, though so recently established, has no reliable 
statistics. After Rev. J. Peter resigned, it was connected with the 
Millersville charge, and served as follows : J. V. Eckert, 1881-1882 ; 
F. Aurand, 1883 ; A. M. Whetstone, 1884-1885 ; J. W. Goodlin, 
1 88 7-1 888. In 1888 the congregation severed its relations with 
the Millersville charge and connected itself with the Lititz charge. 
It has since been served by Revs. W. H. Lewars and I. W. Bobst, 
the present pastor, who took charge June 1. 1889. During the 
present pastorate the congregation has more than doubled, num- 
bering now 154. This is largely due to the labors of its excellent 
Sunday-school Superintendent, Dr. E. H. Witmer, who has for 
twelve years assiduously inculcated Bible truths among the young 
of this community. 

3. St. Paul's Church, Lititz. 

August 4, 1885, a meeting was called for the purpose of dis- 
cussing the feasibility of building a Lutheran church in Lititz. 
Rev. Peter, of the Manheim charge, occupied the chair. In pur- 
suance of the action of this meeting, fifty-two members of the 
Kissel Hill church formed themselves into an independent con- 
gregation, and founded St. Paul's Lutheran church, of Lititz. The 
corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies September 13, 
1885, by Rev. Peter, assisted by Revs. Sylvanus Stall and John V. 



148 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Eckert. The dedication took place February 14, 1886. Rev. Eli 
Huber, D. D., preached the sermon and Rev. T. C. Billheimer, D. D., 
solicited subscriptions, securing $2,000, which covered all the 
indebtedness. The edifice cost upward of $6,000. The congre- 
gation demonstrated its enterprise by immediately erecting a 
commodious parsonage, at an expense of $2,200. Six hundred 
dollars of the subscriptions taken on dedication-day failed to 
materialize, which, together with the cost of the parsonage, left 
the congregation $2,800 in debt. This has been reduced during 
the present pastorate to $1,500. Shortly after the completion of 
the church Rev. J. Peter resigned. He was followed by Rev. W. 
H. Lewars, who entered upon his labors October 15, 1886, con- 
tinuing faithfully three years and a half, when he was succeeded 
by the present pastor, Rev. I. Walton Bobst, who assumed charge 
June 1, 1889. The congregation now has one hundred and thirty- 
five members and is in excellent condition. The preaching is 
mainly in English, with a German sermon once a month. 



XXVI. LIONVILLE CHARGE, CHESTER CO.— ST. MAT- 
THEW'S AND ST. PAUL'S. 

BY REV. M. S. CRESSMAN. 

Chester County, Pa., was originally settled by two distinct 
classes of people — the English Quakers and the Germans. The 
former located in the southern part of the county, and the latter 
in the northern. The main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad 
now divides this district into two nearly equal parts, and, in a 
general way, may be regarded as the dividing line between the 
two distinctive elements of the county. In the section to the south 
the Quaker element still largely prevails, whilst in that to the 
north the descendants of the Germans still hold sway. It is 
accordingly in the northern part of the county that all our Luth- 
eran churches are to be found, with the single exception of 
Trinity church, recently established at Coatesville, and this is on 
the border line. 

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg organized the first Lutheran con- 
gregation in the county, to which the name Zion was given. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 49 

The early records being lost, the precise year of its organization 
is not known. It must, however, have been early in the min- 
istry of this patriarch of American Lutheranism, as the erection 
of a new building was begun in the year 1771. The first edifice 
was made of logs, and was located in what was then known as 
Vincent Township, about five miles west of the Trappe. The 
site chosen was a commanding one, overlooking a large part of 
the counties of Berks and Montgomery. 

When the Zion congregation was about to erect a new building, 
there arose a division of opinion as to the location, many desir- 
ing to remove some three miles further south. The result of this 
division was, that the Lutherans residing in Pikeland Township 
withdrew, and organized themselves into a separate congregation, 
erecting a log church in the year 1772, some ten miles southwest 
of Zion. This organization is known as St. Peter's. It was here 
that the first annual meeting of the East Pennsylvania Synod was 
held, October 15, 1842. 

The two churches now composing the Lionville pastorate, St. 
Matthew's and St. Paul's, are the direct outgrowth of Zion's and 
St. Peter's congregations. The older of these, St. Matthew's, is 
now located in Upper Uwchlan township. It was organized in 
the year 1833, by Rev. Jacob Wampole, then pastor of Zion's 
and St. Peter's churches. It was the third Lutheran organization 
in Chester county, and the first to wholly use the English lan- 
guage. The original membership, sixty-six in number, came from 
the other two Lutheran churches ; principally, however, from St. 
Peter's, in West Pikeland. About this time there was a general 
religious awakening in this vicinity. The Baptists and Episco- 
palians had begun the erection of places of worship. The Luth- 
eran people felt the need of greater religious privileges than they 
were enjoying. Accordingly, a meeting was held in West Vincent 
township, January 1, 1833, t0 consider the propriety of erecting 
a church building, to be owned jointly by the Lutherans and the 
German Reformed. As the result of earnest and prayerful delib- 
eration a piece of ground was purchased on the Conestoga pike 
for $50.00, upon which was erected a two- story stone church, 35x45 
feet in size, with galleries on three sides, at a cost of $1,700.00. The 
corner-stone was laid May 27, 1833, Dr. C. P. Krauth, sr., preach- 



150 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

ing the sermon on the part of the Lutherans. On December 10, 
of the same year, the building was dedicated to the worship of the 
Triune God. Rev. P. F. Mayer, D. D., of Philadelphia, preached 
the sermon. The feast of dedication lasted two days, with three 
services daily, at each of which a sermon was preached. St. 
Matthew's became a part of Zion's charge, the pastor residing 
near the latter church, some ten miles distant. 

Rev. Wampole continued as pastor till May, 1836, when he was 
succeeded by Rev. Frederick Ruthrauff. During the ministry of 
the latter Zion's church withdrew, and there was also a division in 
St. Peter's, owing to the introduction of what were known as " new 
measures " in church work. The members who withdrew from 
St. Peter's, some twelve or thirteen in number, erected for them- 
selves a church building in close proximity to the mother church, 
and in connection with Zion's formed a new charge. These 
churches are now in connection with the Ministerium of Pennsyl- 
vania, and are served by separate pastors. 

Previous to this division, under the leadership of Rev. Ruth- 
rauff, steps were taken towards organizing a Lutheran congrega- 
tion in Uwchlan township, near Lionville. February 9, 1838, a 
meeting was held at the house of Peter Acker, where the subject 
was discussed. At this meeting it was resolved " that in reliance 
on the help and favor of the Lord a house of worship be erected, 
to be owned jointly by the Lutherans and the Reformed." The 
name afterwards chosen was " St. Paul's Church in Uwchlan town- 
ship." The location was on a piece of ground near the " White 
School House," donated for the purpose by Peter Stiteler. The 
building erected was of stone, one story high, 38x45 feet in di- 
mensions, and cost $1,483.00. June 5, 1838, the corner-stone was 
laid, Rev. Jonathan Ruthrauff, of Lebanon, preaching the sermon. 
On November 6 and 7 of the same year, the building was dedi- 
cated. Rev. C. W. Schaeffer, D. D., LL. D., then pastor of St. 
Peter's church at Barren Hill, preached the dedicatory sermon. 
The pastor was assisted in these services by Revs. John P. Hecht 
and H. S. Miller. The formal organization did not take place 
till November 11, 1838, the first Lord's Day following the dedi- 
cation. Sixteen persons composed the original membership, 
two of whom are still actively identified with the congregation. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 151 

They came from St. Peter's and St. Matthew's churches, mainly 
from the former. St. Paul's became a part of Zion's charge, 
which now consisted of four churches, St. Peter's, St. Matthew's, 
St. Paul's and Zion's, the pastor residing in the parsonage near 
the latter church until the separation in 1840. 

At the time of the division, Rev. RuthraufT became pastor of 
the three churches known as the Pikeland Charge, St. Peter's, St. 
Matthew's, and St. Paul's, the pastoral residence being in the 
vicinity of the former, and about five miles distant from the other 
two points. He continued to serve this field till June 13, 1843. 
He was succeeded, December 1 7, by Rev. John McCron, D. D., 
who continued as pastor till July, 1847, when he and Rev. D. 
Miller exchanged pastorates. The latter remained but two years, 
and was followed by Rev. Peter Raby, September 27, 1849. 

Brother Raby served this charge faithfully for nine years, and 
was held in high esteem by his people. Under his ministra- 
tions substantial progress was made. It was through his instru- 
mentality that a dissolution was effected in St. Paul's church 
between the Lutherans and Reformed, in the year 1852. The 
former disposed of their interest in the property to the latter for 
$700.00, and bought a small tract of land in the village of Lion- 
ville, about one mile distant. Here a commodious two-story 
stone building was erected, at a cost of about $4,000.00. The 
membership at this time was forty-two. July 31, 1852, the 
corner-stone was laid, and on January 1, 1853, the building was 
dedicated. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. E. W. 
Hutter, of Philadelphia. 

In the year 1858 Rev. Raby resigned, and on June 20 was 
succeeded by Rev. Samuel Aughey. Soon after Rev. Aughey 
became pastor, a division took place in the charge, St. Matthew's 
and St. Paul's withdrawing, and forming a separate pastorate 
This was in the year 1859. Rev. Aughey became pastor of the 
Lionville charge, St. Peter's calling Rev. Cornelius Reimen- 
snyder as their pastor. In the year i860 a parsonage was 
purchased by St. Paul's congregation, adjoining the church, for 
the sum of $1,500.00, where the pastor has continued to reside 
ever since. 

In the year 1861 Rev. Aughey resigned, and on November to, 



152 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Rev. Christian D. Ulery became his successor. The labors of this 
young brother extended over but a few months. Shortly after 
becoming pastor, he enlisted as member of a company of volun- 
teers being formed in the neighborhood, and marched to the 
front in defense of a threatened Union. Being naturally of a 
frail constitution, he soon contracted a cold in consequence of 
exposure, which rapidly developed into pneumonia, from which 
disease he died, November 7, 1862, in the 31st year of his age. 
His body lies in the cemetery adjoining St. Paul's church. 

January 4, 1863, Rev. S. Sentman became the spiritual guide 
of this flock. For seven and one-half years he ministered in holy 
things to this people. His memory is still cherished by those to 
whom he broke the bread of life. He resigned, July 1, 1870, to 
become principal of the Preparatory Department of Pennsylvania 
College, Gettysburg. 

The charge was now vacant for almost a year, when on May 1, 
187 1, Rev J. R. Shoffner began his labors as pastor. He con- 
tinued in this relationship till the year 1876. The last time this 
brother ever preached the word was to this people, May 24, 
1 89 1, having returned on a brief visit. This was just nineteen 
days before his death, which took place at Wilkesbarre, Pa., June 
12, 1892. 

After a vacancy of some months a pastor was secured in the 
person of Rev. H. S. Cook, March 11, 1877. The labors of this 
brother were abundantly blessed. The commodious new St. 
Matthew's church is his enduring monument. In 1878 Rev. 
Cook succeeded in effecting an amicable dissolution of the union 
existing in this church. The Lutherans sold their interest to the 
Reformed for $1,000.00, and at once purchased a plot of ground 
containing eighteen and one-half acres on a commanding eleva- 
tion, about five hundred yards north, in the adjoining township of 
Upper Uwchlan, the original site being in West Vincent. Here 
the congregation proceeded to erect one of the finest church 
buildings in the county. It is of Gothic architecture, 42x95 feet 
in size, and has a seating capacity of about six hundred. The 
cost of the property was about $13,000.00. The corner-stone 
was laid in 1878, the dedication taking place on May 1 of the 
following year. On the latter occasion, Rev. John McCron, D. D., 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 53 

a former pastor, preached with more than his usual eloquence. 
At these services there were present twenty ministers, and 
though held on a week day the building was crowded to its ut- 
most capacity, and the entire obligations liquidated, over $4,000.00 
being subscribed. 

In 1880 St. Paul's church was remodeled at a cost of $2,300.00. 
The re-dedication took place January 2, 1881, Rev. F. W. Conrad, 
D. D., LL. D., officiating. The Lionville pastorate has now two 
comfortable and convenient churches, the credit of which in a 
large measure is due to Rev. H. S. Cook. Under his ministry 
the congregations increased largely in membership. He was the 
first to introduce a systematic way of gathering the benevolent 
offerings of the people. The monthly envelope system he in- 
augurated continues in use to the present time, and has been the 
means Of making this charge one of the most liberal in our 
synod. October 8, 1882, Rev. Cook, after a most successful 
pastorate of five years and seven months, took leave of this peo- 
ple, having accepted a call to Harrisburg. 

December 1, 1882, Rev. W. F. Rentz took charge of the 
work in this parish, in which he continued till April 1, 1888, 
being then sent by the Board of Home Missions as missionary 
to Atchison, Kansas. Through his labors the people were much 
strengthened in all departments of church life and work. Here 
he has left many seals to his ministry. It was during his pastor- 
ate that the Sunday-school room of St. Paul's church was re- 
modeled, at a cost of about $700.00. 

April 8, 1888, the present pastor — Rev. M. S. Cressman — be- 
gan his labors. Under his direction about $700.00 have been 
expended by the charge, in the improvement of the church 
properties. The pastorate is entirely free of debt, and meets all 
its obligations with promptness. It is composed of an intelligent 
and church-loving people. 

Of the twelve pastors who have served this field, eight have 
passed to their reward, Revs. Aughey, Cook, Rentz and Cress- 
man alone remaining in the church militant. Of the original 
members, but three are still among us, Thomas Rooke of St. 
Matthew's and Mrs. Catherine Oberholtzer and her sister, Miss 
Sarah Acker, of St. Paul's. At different times the churches have 



154 EA ST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

received legacies amounting in all to about $4,000.00. The esti- 
mated value of the property is $20,000.00. The present member- 
ship numbers 295 persons. In the Sunday-schools there are 
enrolled 238 scholars, and 41 teachers and officers. 



XXVII. ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN AND REFORMED 
CHURCH, FOGELSVILLE, LEHIGH COUNTY. 

BY REV. J. A. SINGMASTER. 

The above church was organized by members of the Tresler- 
town, Jordan and Ziegel churches. Jacob Moyer and Judge 
John Fogel donated each three-fourths of an acre of land for a 
building site and burial place. At a meeting held October 4, 

1834, it was decided to build a church. John Lichtenwallner and 
Daniel Schlauch, Lutheran, and Henry Mohr and Jacob Moyer, 
Reformed, were elected a building committee, and Solomon Fogel, 
treasurer. Benjamin Fogel, John Keck, Peter Musselman and 
Jonathan Mohr were appointed to solicit subscriptions. 

The corner-stone was laid May 9, 1835, on which occasion 
Rev. Isaac Roeller and Rev. Joseph Dubs officiated. On the 31st 
of October, 1835, the church was dedicated, Revs. Roeller, Joshua 
and Gottlieb Jeager and Charles Y. Herman participating. The 
church is a substantial stone structure, with gallery on three 
sides, and seats about four hundred. 

The first pastor, Rev. Isaac Roeller, was elected November 15, 

1835. The first council consisted of Adam Litzenberger, elder, 
and Samuel Fetherolf, John Lichtenwallner, Jr., Henry Stettler 
and Daniel Kuhns, deacons. 

Rev. Roeller resigned January 13, 185 1, and was succeeded 
by Rev. Jeremiah Schindel, who was followed in 1859 by Rev. 
E. H. M. Sell. In 1861 Rev. O. Leopold became pastor. In 
1874 the pastor and a part of the congregation withdrew and 
organized St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church 

On account of the establishment of the latter church, the old 
congregation was no longer recognized by the Pennsylvania 
Synod, and hence was left without pastoral care. Rev. Wm. G. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 155 

Mennig, of the East Pennsylvania Synod, became pastor in 1877. 
He was assisted by Rev. C. E. Hay, who supplied the pulpit after 
Mr. Mennig became disabled until the church became a part of 
the Macungie charge, in 1884, with Rev. J. A. Singmaster as 
pastor. In July, 1886, the latter was succeeded by Rev. G. W. 
Fritsch, who continued pastor until March, 1891. Since then 
the pulpit has been supplied by Rev. J. A. Singmaster, pastor of 
St. Paul's, Allentown. 

It is a remarkable fact that since the organization of the church 
in 1835, ^e Reformed part of the congregation has had but two 
pastors, father and son, Revs. C. G. and A. J. Herman, the 
former serving twenty- seven and the latter thirty-one years. 

In 1878 the church was remodeled. Rev. J. M. Deitzler offici- 
ated at the re-consecration. November 29, 1885, was the 
occasion of the semi-centennial festival of the church, during 
which, among others, Rev. Dr. F. W. Conrad preached. 

The services have always been held every two weeks, the 
Lutherans and Reformed alternating. The German language 
has been used from the beginning. The present Lutheran 
membership is about sixty, and there are nearly one hundred and 
fifty persons connected with the Union Sunday-school, of which 
Mr. A. W. Held has been the superintendent for many years. 
Rev. Cyrus E. Held, pastor of the Hamilton charge, entered the 
ministry from this church. 



XXVIII. TRINITY CHURCH, GERMANTOWN. 

BY REV. L. E. ALBERT, D. D. 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Michael's, German- 
town, dates its origin in the early part of the last century. It 
existed as a distinct organization, and was provided with its own 
place of worship previously to the year 1740. At that time 
there were about four hundred dwelling-houses in Germantown. 
The principal part of the population was German, but as the 
congregation was not favored with the ministry of a regular 
pastor, the number of members was small and the circumstances 
of the church not very flourishing. In the year 1742 the Rev. 



156 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg arrived in Philadelphia and began 
his labors as pastor of the Lutheran church in that city. Soon 
after his arrival, the church in Germantown attracted his at- 
tention, and his interest in it was so earnest, that he took it at 
once under his pastoral care. Finding that his duties pressed 
too heavily upon him, he made arrangements to relieve himself 
of at least a portion of his pastoral care. Accordingly his assist- 
ant, Rev. Peter Brunnholz, who arrived from abroad in 174s, 
took charge of the church in Germantown. So the pastorates 
are as follows : 

Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, 1 742-1 745; Rev. Brunn- 
holz, 1745-T751; Rev. Handschuh, 1751-1757. From 1 75 7— 
1 763, the accounts are musty, and the times stormy. Clearer 
skies came in 1763, for then pastor John Nicholas Kurtz served 
the congregation one year. He was followed by Rev. John 
Ludwig Voigt, 1 764-1 765 ; Rev. Jacob Van Buskerk, 1 766-1 769 ; 
Rev. John Frederick Schmidt, 1 769-1 786 ; Rev. John Fred- 
erick Weinland, 1 786-1 789; Rev. Frederick David Schaeffer, 
1790-1812; Rev. John C. Baker, 1812-1828; Rev. Benjamin 
Keller, 1828-1835 ; Rev. John William Richards, 1836-1845. 

Trinity Lutheran Church. Germantown. 

Trinity Lutheran church is an offshoot of St. Michael's church 
of Germantown. It was organized with a membership of about 
thirty persons, February 28, 1836, when the vestry was installed 
by the Rev. Philip F. Mayer, D. D., then of St. Tohn's church, 
Race street, Philadelphia. The names of the vestrymen were 
Thomas Haddin, Henry Goodman, Michael Trumbauer, David 
Heist, Henry Nicholas, Jacob Mehl, John Felton, George Heist, 
George Geysel and Joseph Heist. The original name of the 
church was the English Evangelical Lutheran church of German- 
town. At first the congregation worshiped in the brick building 
at the corner of Main and Mill streets, now occupied by the 
Woman's Christian Association. While worshiping there it 
elected as its first pastor William N. Scholl, who had just com- 
pleted his theological studies at the Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa. 
Mr. Scholl preached his first sermon in the brick building April 
17, 1836. On June 2, 1836, he was licensed, at the meeting 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 157 

of the Synod of Pennsylvania at Easton, to preach the gospel. 
On June 12, he preached his introductory sermon from 1st Cor- 
inthians, 2d chapter and 2d verse: "For I determined not to 
know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." 
In the meantime the congregation had purchased the property at 
the corner of Main and Queen streets for the sum of $3,000.00 on 
which it immediately proceeded to erect a church edifice 45x55 
feet, at a cost of $2,699.68. The corner-stone of this building 
was laid on May 15, 1837, Rev. Philip F. Mayer, D. D., and 
Rev. Jacob Medtart officiating at the morning services, and 
Rev. Charles W. Schaeffer at the afternoon. On December 3, 
1857, the building was dedicated, the Rev. Dr. Mayer preaching 
the sermon from Psalms lxxxiv. 1 : " How amiable are thy taber- 
nacles, O Lord of hosts !" The first communion was held on 
June 19, 1836, and the first accessions to the congregation were 
made on Whitsunday, May 14, 1837. The first baptism in the 
church under the Rev. William N. Scholl was that of Henry 
Ernest, son of Henry and Maria Goodman ; the first marriage, 
that of Reuben G. Tomlinson to Hannah K. Shepherd ; and the 
first burial, that of William Saunders, of Rising Sun. As a pastor 
the Rev. W. N. Scholl stood high in the estimation of his flock, 
being diligent in the discharge of his duties, and watchful of the 
interests committed to his care. His pastorate over the congre- 
gation extended from June 12, 1836, to March 5, 1840. 

Rev. Mr. Scholl was succeeded by Rev. Samuel D. Finckel, 
who came to Germantown, May 28, 1840. His first com- 
munion was held June 7, 1840, and his last, December 1, 
1843. His first recorded accessions to the church took place on 
September 5, 1840. On February 7, 1844, Mr. Finckel re- 
signed the pastorate of the congregation. Although his pastorate 
was short in its continuance, the impress he made upon the con- 
gregation was remarkable. There was something in the very 
make of the man that told upon all with whom he came in con- 
tact. Genial in his manners, warm-hearted in his disposition, 
brilliant in intellect, and eloquent in speech, he drew men of all 
classes to him personally, and also attracted them to the house of 
God. 

Rev. William F. Eyster became the successor of Mr. Finckel, 



158 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

and assumed the pastorate on May 12, 1844. His first recorded 
communion is that of July 7, 1844. The largest accession to the 
church at any communion occurred during the ministry of Rev. 
Mr. Eyster. This was on April 16, 1848, when thirteen persons 
were received by adult baptism, twenty-eight by confirmation, 
four by renewal of profession, and seven by certificate from 
the Presbyterian church. At that time there was a wonderful 
awakening on the subject of religion in Germantown, and this 
church shared largely in the ingathering that followed. On 
August 14, 1 85 1, Rev. Mr. Eyster resigned the pastorate of the 
congregation, to take charge of the church at Chambersburg. 
Mr. Eyster was a living embodiment of a Christian gentleman. 
Sincerity beamed forth in his speech and actions. To him a 
mean deed was impossible. Ever courteous, ever gentle, ever 
loving, ever forbearing and forgiving, he walked in his Master's 
footsteps and preached daily sermons by his constant exhibition 
of these Christian graces. At this present writing he is a resident 
of Crete, Salina county, Nebraska. 

Mr. Eyster was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Luther 
E. Albert, who came to Germantown on November 23, 185 1. 
His first recorded communion was held in the month of March 
1858, when 95 persons participated in the blessed ordinance of 
the Lord's Supper. After a few years had elapsed, the congre- 
gation undertook the building of a new church edifice. The con- 
tract for the building, exclusive of the furniture and the spire, 
called for $13,500. The corner-stone was laid on October n, 
1856, the Rev. Philip F. Mayer, D. D., officiating. Among others 
who were present on that occasion were Rev. Theophilus Stork, 
D. D., and Rev. Edwin W. Hutter, D. D. At the dedication of 
the church, which occurred on October 12, 1857, Rev. John G. 
Morris, D. D., of Baltimore, Md., officiated. In 1867 tne organ 
was purchased at an expense of $2,096.15, and in 1870 the church 
was frescoed. In t886 the church was renovated and improved 
at a cost of $16,000. The growth of the congregation, in every 
direction, has been marked and steady. The number of those 
entitled to membership, at this present writing, is about 300. The 
active communing membership is about 250. The strength of the 
Sunday-school is as follows : officers and teachers, 46 ; scholars, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



159 



325. The present superintendent is Theophilus H. Smith. In 
connection with the church is a Woman's Home and Foreign 
Missionary Society, a Young People's Lyceum, and a Society of 
Christian Endeavor. The Board of Trustees consists of the fol- 
lowing members : President, M. L. Finckel; secretary, F. Studen- 
mund ; treasurer, Jacob Green ; associates, Theophilus H. Smith, 
Samuel Goodman, George Jenkins, William Martin, Theophilus 
Stork, William May bury, David Barrows, Jr., Charles Longmire 
and Henry Yeager ; assistant pastor, Rev. Clinton E. Walter. 
Such is a brief history of Trinity Lutheran church, Germantown. 
Thankful for the past, she moves on hopefully into the future. 



XXIX. ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, READING. 

BY MR. CHARLES H. TYSON. 

Trinity Lutheran church, the mother church of St. Matthew's, 
as well as of all the other Lutheran churches of Pleading, was 
founded in 1751 by German Lutherans. The early pastors were 
as follows : H. B. G. Wordman, 1752 to 1753 ; D. Schuhmacher, 
1754 to 1755 j J. C. Hartwig, 1757 to 1758; B. M. Hausihl, 1759 
to 1762; J. A. Krug, 1764 to 1771 ; Henry' Moeller, 1775 ; D. 
Lehman, 1779 to I 7^°> C. F. Wildbahn, 1782 to 1796; D. 
Lehman, 1796 to 1801; H. A. Muhlenberg, 1803 to 1829: 
Jacob Miller, 1829 to 1850. 

For almost a century the worship was carried on in the Ger- 
man language. About the year 1842 the town had a large 
English population ; the English language was spoken in the 
schools, in business transactions, and in social intercourse. The 
children, though of German parentage, were growing up in total 
ignorance of that language. A large number of the congrega- 
tion discovered that their children were deriving no benefit from 
the worship and were wandering away to the English churches, 
which were the Presbyterian, the Episcopalian, and the Metho- 
dist. To prevent this loss to the Lutheran church, several 
members, with Dr. Diller Luther as spokesman, requested the 
pastor of Trinity, Rev. Jacob Miller, to hold English services at 



i6o 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



intervals of a month or six weeks. Rev. Miller was a pious, con- 
scientious and earnest man ; but, fortunately for us in this instance, 
very conservative in his views. Having been educated under the 
German system, and being somewhat advanced in years, he could 
not appreciate the importance of the situation. He refused ab- 
solutely to comply with their request. 




ST. MATTHEW'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, READING, PA. 



Earnestly desirous of accomplishing their object, they started 
an English service at 5 th and Penn streets, in the Old State 
House, which was destroyed by fire in 1873. ^ n order to secure 
a large attendance and also the co-operation of the English 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. l6l 

community, they held services in the afternoon, the English 
churches being open in the evening. The attendance from the 
beginning was large, and at length overtures were again made to 
the pastor of Trinily, which were again rejected. They now had 
no alternative except a separate permanent organization. 

Rev. J. S. Schock, then lately graduated from the Seminary at 
Gettysburg, had acted as pastor of this little flock from its first 
gathering. He was young, talented, active, and eminently fitted 
for the hard task he had undertaken to perform. His salary 
when engaged was $300, which was afterwards reduced to $150, 
owing to the meagre resources of the congregation. The first 
council meeting was held in March, 1842, and the officers were 
Rev. Schock, president, Dr. Diller Luther, secretary, and Henry 
Haas, treasurer. The men most active in this movement, to 
whom St. Matthew's church is largely indebted for what she is to- 
day, were Dr. Diller Luther, John Hepler, Sr., Frederick Fox, 
Henry Haas, Peter Filbert, Henry Fry, Adam Rightmyer, Dr. S. 
S. Birch, Jacob Sallade, Peter Shanaman, Joseph Moyer, William 
Ziegler, Nicholas Mason, John German, Jeremiah Hagenman, 
Marks B. Scull, George Frees, Jesse Orner, Paul Ammon and 
Samuel Focht. The first communion was held in September, 
1842, when 17 communicants presented themselves; at the same 
time a considerable number were confirmed. The first infant 
baptism occurred in 1842, Susan Yeager being the subject; the 
first marriage ceremony of which there is now any record was 
performed in 1843, and Levi Moser and Catharine Myers were 
the contracting parties. In spite of all difficulties and hin- 
drances, the congregation grew rapidly. In 1843 an appeal was 
made to the other churches in Eastern Pennsylvania for aid in 
building a church. Rev. Schock was sent out as collector, and 
during his absence Rev. Kohler acted as his substitute. The 
church was begun in May, 1844, and dedicated on the 2 2d of 
December of the same year. The services were prolonged for 
several days, and many eminent divines were present, from Phila- 
delphia, Baltimore, and other places ; among these were Rev. J. 
G. Morris, D. D., who preached the dedication sermon, Rev. F. 
W. Conrad, and Rev. John McCron, who preached an impressive 
sermon from the text, " What think ye of Christ?" 



1 62 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

The congregation increased in numbers slowly but steadily in 
their new home, notwithstanding some opposition on the part of 
outside parties. The following incident is related to show the 
feeling (now happily extinct) which existed on the part of the 
old toward the new congregation. The first death, that of Dr. 
Birch, occurred in 1845. As tne P^ ot surrounding the church 
was very small, the pastor first applied for permission to bury 
upon Trinity graveyard. Permission was granted, upon condition 
that the pastor of Trinity should conduct the services. Not 
deeming it proper to accept the conditions, the body of Dr. 
Birch was buried in the space on the eastern side of the church, 
from which it was afterwards removed to Charles Evans' ceme- 
tery. No incident worthy of mention occurred until 1849, when 
Rev. Schock received a call from New York City, resigned, and 
was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Brown. During Rev. Brown's pas- 
torate, a schism arose in Trinity church and a large number se- 
ceded, some forming a new church and others swelling our mem- 
bership. Among those prominent in this second period of the 
church's history were Major S. E. Ancona, Dr. Ulrich, Jacob S. 
Livingood, Esq., Messrs. Weida, Lindemuth, Craig and Lehman, 
and Mrs. Esther G. Otto, familiarly known as Mother Otto. 
In consequence of this diminution, the council of Trinity made 
propositions to our council looking to the return of our con- 
gregation to the bosom of the mother church, which were re- 
spectfully declined. Rev. Brown resigned in 1859, and was 
succeeded by Rev. Milton Valentine, during whose term the 
church was repaired; Rev. M. W. Hamma, from 1866 to 1869; 
Rev. Samuel Domer, from 1869 to 1872 ; Rev. J. M. Anspach, 
from 1872 to 1877; and our present pastor, Rev. T. C. Bill- 
heimer, D. D. 

For many weeks after the first meeting of the congregation, the 
attention of the members was centered upon the growth of the 
church. Their children were scattered, some attending the 
Presbyterian, some the Methodist, and others the Union Sunday- 
school which had been opened by Judge Darling in the Old 
Court House on Penn Square. At length, early in December, 
1842, several of the younger members of the church — Misses 
Eliza, Lydia and Louisa Filbert, Miss Hope Pettit, Miss Boyer, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 63 

Mr. George Frees, Mr. Jacob Boyer, and Rev. Schock — met in the 
office of Peter Filbert, Esq., and organized our Sunday-school, 
whose first regular session was held on the Sunday before Christ- 
mas. Dr. Diller Luther was elected president, Frederic Fox 
vice-president, Rev. Schock superintendent, Jeremiah Hagen- 
man secretary, Mrs. McCombs directress, Jacob Boyer treas- 
urer and A. Raiguel librarian. The school first met on Frank- 
lin street above 6th, in a building upon the site of the Reading 
fire-engine house. The attendance numbered about forty. The 
meetings were held in this building, then called the infant school, 
until early in the following spring, when the building was dam- 
aged by fire and the school was removed to the public school 
house at Chestnut and Carpenter streets. Here the sessions 
were held until November, 1844, when the church was so far 
completed as to allow the school to meet in the basement. On 
the day of its removal the school was addressed by several clergy- 
men then attending the Synod held in our city. The school 
numbered 60 when they left Franklin street, 75 when they came 
to the new church, and about 100 when Rev. Schock resigned 
in 1849. The infant school was established in 1845 by Rev. 
Schock, and Mrs. John Craig, then Miss Eliza Filbert, was the 
first teacher. A celebration was held at High's Woods on the 
Fourth of July, 1845 ; a large table was set, and the whole congre- 
gation as one family celebrated the day. That celebration seems 
to have been kept green in the memories of the older members 
of the church. 

Mr. George Frees, who had acted as superintendent in con- 
nection with Rev. Schock from the organization of the school, 
served until 1851, and was succeeded by Charles Davis, Esq., 
whose term continued only for one year. He was succeeded by 
Mr. Frederic Fox, who served for three years. Rev. Brown 
then became superintendent, and continued such until his resig- 
nation as pastor. Jacob S. Livingood, Esq., was then elected, 
who, after serving a short time, resigned in favor of his brother, 
William H. Livingood, Esq., who held the position until 1863. 
During the 15 years from 1848 to 1863, the school increased from 
a membership of 100 to that of 250. The pastor, Rev. Valen- 
tine, filled the position of superintendent from 1863 until he re- 



164 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

signed in 1866. Mr. Frank Fichthorn was then elected, and 
served for 1 1 years — during the pastorates of Revs. Harama, 
Domer, and Anspach. During Rev. Hamma's pastorate, the 
school numbered 400 — a greater number than it ever had before 
or has had since. During the terms of Revs. Domer and Anspach 
the number fluctuated between 300 and 400. Mr. Fichthorn 
was succeeded in 1878 by Mr. Edward Scull, who served until 
January, 1888. Frank S. Livingood, Esq., was then elected and 
served until January, 1892, when he was succeeded by Mr. Jacob 
A. Buch, the present superintendent. 

The first mission was organized in i860, at 10th and Green 
streets, by Rev. Valentine and Mr. Frederic Fox, and soon grew 
from a membership of 17 to that of 175 in 1865. Owing to the 
resignation of Rev. Valentine and the removal from town of Mr. 
Fox, the school fell into other hands, and is now known as St. 
Luke's Lutheran church, a very flourishing congregation. The 
second mission, known as the Rose Valley Sunday-school, was 
organized in 1874 by Major S. E. Ancona, Mrs. Bessie Hunter, 
and Mr. Frank Fichthorn, and finally abandoned in 1879 as un- 
fruitful. The third mission was founded in the winter of 188 1, at 
4th and Elm streets, by Mrs. A. S. Ladd, Rev. Daniel A. 
Shetler, and Mr. Cornelius T. Anderson. The membership num- 
bered 30, and, upon Rev. Shetler's removal from town, he was 
succeeded by Mr. A. B. Yorgey in 1881, who was in turn suc- 
ceeded by Mr. Edward C. Hecht in 1882. In 1886, when the 
movement had begun for the erection of a new chapel, this mis- 
sion was merged into the main school. 

During Dr. Billheimer's pastorate the congregation and school 
grew too large to be accommodated in the building at Franklin 
and Pearl streets, and under his leadership, in 1886, a fund was 
started for the erection of a chapel for the Sunday-school upon 
an adjoining property, but eventually the movement expanded 
into a fund for a new church. A lot was bought at 5th and Elm 
streets, and' in April, 1889, ground was broken for the erection 
of a church and chapel. On January 19, 1890, the corner-stone 
was laid by Rev. W. H. Dunbar and the pastor, in the presence 
of the other clergy of the city and the congregation. On July 
12, 1 89 1, the building was dedicated by Revs. W. H. Dunbar, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 65 

H. W. McKnight, D. D., and Samuel B. Barnitz, with impressive 
ceremonies, and funds were collected to pay for the edifice. The 
congregation, headed by the pastor and council, marched in a 
body from the old to the new church. The new edifice is an im- 
posing structure, built of stone, containing in front an auditorium 
with a seating capacity of 550 persons, with vaulted ceiling, beau- 
tiful windows, altar and pulpit, and comfortable pews and furni- 
ture. The chapel, with an entrance from Elm street and another 
from the auditorium, has two stories, upon the first of which is 
the lecture room and infant school, and upon the second story, a 
beautiful main school room with a gallery for the larger classes. 
Later results have justified the congregation in the erection of 
their new edifice, as the Sunday-school has grown so large that 
arrangements are now making to utilize the basement of the 
church for its use, in addition to the rooms already occupied. 
The whole structure when completed will cost about $65,000. 
The church and Sunday-school now number about 350 persons 
each, with indications of a steadv increase in the future. 



XXX. ZION CHURCH, LEBANON. 

BY H. H. ROEDEL, M. D. 

The earliest records of the Lutheran church at Lebanon are a 
marriage, February 25, 1731, and a death, April 28, 1734. About 
the years 1 733-1 735 the first efforts were made to gather the scat- 
tered Germans, who had settled around where the town of Leb- 
anon now stands, into a congregation. Worship w r as conducted 
at a point about two and a half miles south-east of the present 
site of the town, where a house of worship was afterwards built, 
called "Die Kruppe Kirche." This edifice was occupied by the 
congregation until about 1768. In March, 1765, a lot of ground, 
within the present borough limits, was deeded for church pur- 
poses, by the Rev. John Caspar Stoever and others for the use of 
the Lutheran congregation for " the yearly rent of one red rose in 
June of every year forever hereafter, if the same shall be lawfully 
demanded." A school-house was built the same year, which was 
also used for church purposes. The church was probably erected 



1 66 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

about four years later. The corner-stone of the present edifice 
(Salem) was laid June 8, 1796. The regular pastors who served 
this congregation from the time of its location in the town until 
the organization of Zion church were as follows : F. A. C. Muhlen- 
berg, 1773 — 1775; William Kurtz, 1775 — 1794; George Loch- 
man, 1794 — 1815 ; William G. Ernst, 1815 — 1836; Jonathan 
Ruthrauff, 1836 to 1844.* 

The views of church membership held by Rev. Ruthrauff dif- 
fered widely from those entertained by many clergymen in this 
vicinity. Horse-racing, gambling and drinking to excess, were 
practices not infrequently indulged in by members of this com- 
munity who claimed positions in the church as officers. The 
pastor, however, refused to install such. When expostulated with, 
he claimed the introduction of no new tenets, but referred to the 
formula for the government and discipline of the Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church, of which they were a part. This proceeding was 
the origin of a long church strife. True, the issue was not claimed 
to be such. To speak or preach English, was almost looked upon 
as wicked. So prejudiced was the community against English 
preaching, that this was made the cudgel which the wily enemies of 
Sunday-schools, prayer-meetings and vital godliness used to en- 
list the sympathies and obtain the influence of church members 
against the introduction of the latter. So bitter did the feeling 
against the pastor and his adherents become, that the opposite 
party locked the church, forbidding the pastor to preach. This 
resulted in a suit at court, which eventually was compromised, the 
followers of the pastor accepting less than $800, for which they 
relinquished all right, title and claim to the church, graveyard and 
parsonage. 

These members, with the pastor, formed the nucleus of a new 
church organization, which was incorporated by an Act of As- 
sembly, dated March 14, 1844, the corporate name and title 
being, " The Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of the Borongh 
of Lebanon and its vicinity." Immediate steps were taken to 
build a church. A lot on the corner of Market, now North 

* The facts above have been gleaned from the published History of Leb- 
anon County. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 167 

Ninth Street and Spring Alley, was purchased by Mr. Jacob Stoe- 
ver, a member of the Board of Trustees, from Mr. Jacob ScharT- 
ner, of Marietta, upon which to erect a suitable building. Little 
money was in circulation here at that time. Business transac- 
tions were carried on by barter. Labor was exchanged for pro- 
duce, and produce for merchandise. 

The members of the new church organization, with few ex- 
ceptions, were poor. Yet, under such adverse circumstances, 
they undertook the erection of a church edifice, costing from 
twelve to thirteen thousand dollars. The excavations for founda- 
tion and cellar were made by the members, without the ex- 
penditure of one dollar in money. The Lord put it into the 
hearts of several parties (not members of the church) owning 
stone quarries, to give the members of the church the privilege of 
quarrying all required for the church, free of cost. Farmers 
(members of the church) did the hauling, while town members 
did the loading and unloading gratuitously. The officers of the 
Union Canal Company gave the privilege of gathering all the 
sand for plastering the church inside and out (the church was 
rough cast) at the water works, free of cost, and it was all deliv- 
ered without the expenditure of a dollar in money — some 
members furnishing teams, others loading and unloading. The 
pastor's horse was in daily use for hauling the water necessary to 
make the mortar. 

Among the church members were three carpenters, none of 
whom could subscribe a large sum of money. They agreed, 
however, to do a certain amount of work in the church. 
Augustus Reinoehl (now of Lancaster) did the necessary work in 
the basement ; Henry Zimmerman, that of the church chamber ; 
and Benjamin Moore, the woodwork at the roof and tower. 
Israel Karch did the painting at fifty cents per day. 

The present generation cannot realize, much less appreciate, 
the sacrifices made by the original members of this church. 
Children denied themselves butter and fruit, selling these to ob- 
tain money to contribute to the church. Some worked after 
school hours for the same object. The pastor stimulated every 
member of the congregation by his own liberality. He not only 
gave much time, labor, and money (receiving only two hundred 



1 68 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

and forty dollars' salary while the church was being built), but 
even imperiled his health. With all the contributions of labor 
and money, when the church was completed and dedicated there 
remained a debt of over three thousand dollars on the building. 

The salary and interest on the debt was a grievous burden. 
Nor was this all. A new church necessarily called for improved 
methods in church attendance. Pious parents desired to have 
their children not only accompany them, but occupy the same 
pew. This was looked upon as an innovation and seriously ob- 
jected to. It was regarded as a design, on the part of some 
members, to select the best pews and deprive others of occupy- 
ing choice ones. To prove this view erroneous, the party desir- 
ous of having their children sit with them proposed drawing lots 
annually for pews. This was acceded to, and indulged in for 
several years, much to the satisfaction of some and disgust of 
others. Now, the most liberal contributors objected. They 
were generally unfortunate enough to draw pews under the gal- 
lery, while contributors of sums less than one dollar annually, al- 
most always secured the most desirable ones. This disposition 
of the pews existed until 1849, when the pastor, in consequence 
of ill health, was obliged to resign. Rev. A. C. Wedekind be- 
came his successor. 

How to pay the interest of the debt and an increase of salary, 
was the question which presented itself to the trustees and the 
congregation at the annual meeting ; besides, the pew question 
still remained unsettled. 

Another year passed, the annual expenditures exceeding the in- 
come. No better, in fact no other plan seeming possible, it was 
determined to rent the pews annually, to the highest bidder, re- 
serving ten free pews, five on each side of the middle aisle, (the 
choicest in the church) for the poorer members, so that none 
could complain of being deprived of the use of pews. This gave 
rise to our present pew system. 

Upon the resignation of the Rev. Jonathan RuthraurT, the 
congregation at Schaefferstown severed its connection with this 
charge, leaving only the Hill church in connection with Zion. 
This made it possible to have two church services every Sunday, 
the pastor preaching both German and English. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 69 

During the latter part of Rev. Wedekind's administration, which 
was of thirteen years' duration, the Hill church was added to the 
Annville charge, and Lebanon claimed the entire time of the 
pastor. 

Rev. L. A. Gotwald succeeded Rev. Wedekind in April, 
1863. It was during his administration that the congregation, 
after mature deliberation, deemed it best to sever the existing re- 
lation between the English and German members. The reason 
assigned was the difficulty of obtaining a pastor qualified to preach 
acceptably in both languages for the compensation we could pay. 

This division gave origin to the Seventh Street Lutheran con- 
gregation. The English portion assisted them in building- their 
first church, which was a frame structure. It has now been re- 
built in brick and is a very handsome church, with all the modern 
appointments. The trustees of the mother church manifested 
their kindly feeling by voting one thousand dollars towards 
the erection of this building. Rev. L. A. Gotwald served the 
congregation two years, and was succeeded by Rev. Daniel 
Schindler in July, 1865. The church services were now altogether 
English. During this administration, about 1866, the parsonage, 
situated on Chestnut street, between 10th and Spring streets, was 
purchased. 

Rev. Schindler was succeeded by Rev. M. Rhodes, in March, 
1867. He served the congregation very acceptably for five 
years, and was succeeded by Rev. J. F. Reinmund in Novem- 
ber, 1872, during whose administration a new church was built 
(1875) at a cost of 830,000.00. The lecture and school rooms 
(of which there were three) were built in the rear of the church, 
admirably adapted to the wants of the congregation, and models 
of convenience and comfort. Dr. Reinmund served the congre- 
gation seven years, and was succeeded by our present pastor, the 
Rev. Dr. W. H. Dunbar, in May, 1880. The parsonage was 
thoroughly repaired, before his occupancy, at a cost of fifteen 
hundred dollars. 

In 1 89 1 an addition was built, consisting of a study, dining- 
room, etc., making it complete in all its appointments, at an ex- 
pense of $2,000.00. The church was also re-modeled, beautified, 
and the interior enlarged. The organ was placed in the rear of 
the pulpit. This improvement cost $5,000.00. 



T70 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

During this administration the large and convenient Sunday- 
school rooms became crowded, and it became necessary to locate 
the Bible Department in the church chamber for a number of 
years. This arrangement was not sufficient to meet the growing 
needs of the schools. There being a vacant space 33x62 feet in 
the rear of the Sunday-school building, it was resolved to add a 
building in harmony with the balance of the church at a cost of 
$4,000.00. This has been done. All of the rooms have been 
renovated, painted, re-carpeted, furnished with chairs, etc., and 
the congregation now claims to have a suite of Sunday-school 
rooms second to none in the country. 

The pastors of Zion trained many true yoke-fellows, who 
stood shoulder to shoulder and were in touch with them in every 
good word and work. Three entered the gospel ministry, the 
Revs. Win. D. Roedel, Jacob Weidman, Johnson Grofif. 

SUNDAY-SCHOOLS. 

The Sunday-school of Salem's church, which was held in what 
is now known as the Beneficial Hall, North Tenth Street, went 
bodily with the new church organization, and when the new Sun- 
day-school rooms were ready for occupancy, provision having 
been made for two departments, another progressive step was 
taken — an infant school was organized. Notwithstanding the 
sneering remark made by one not friendly to the cause, " Who 
will nurse your babies?" it has been a decided success. The 
pastor's wife, Mrs. Jonathan Ruthrauff and Mr. John George, both 
veterans in the Sunday-school work, were its first superintendents, 
taking charge of the ten infant-school scholars present on the 
day of its organization, and nobly did they do their work. Many 
graduates of that infant-school are now holding positions of trust 
in the church here and elsewhere, and its impress for good has 
been stamped upon our community. Mrs. Mary Groff and Jacob 
Roedel were the color-bearers in the larger school. Both depart- 
ments combined rarely averaged over 100 pupils. Soon, how- 
ever, another department was organized, which occupied the lec- 
ture room. After the German members formed a new organiza- 
tion, the number was reduced somewhat. Gradually, yet stead- 
ily, the school increased in numbers — and had 250 enrolled in 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 171 

1872 ; 302 in 1879. To-day there are over six hundred mem- 
bers upon its rolls. Two members of the original school, held in 
the Salem church prior to the separation, are now members of 
the Bible-class, Mr. Andrew Fasnacht and Mr. George R. Fauber. 

MISSIONS. 

The missionary contributions from this charge, consisting of 
Schaefferstown, Hill church and Lebanon, amounted to $8.00 -in 
1837. Systematic giving was early inculcated and continuously 
taught, until this part of the congregation's work gives evidence 
of early training and constant practice, as shown by reference to 
the synodical minutes of a recent date, where it may be seen that 
the contributions during the past year were $1,199.13. 



XXXI. ENGLISH CHURCH, POTTSVILLE. 

BY REV. E. G. HAY. 

There were both Lutheran and Reformed church-going people 
in Pottsville prior to 1834. They spoke the German language, 
and occasionally were ministered to by visiting pastors of their 
own denominations, but until June 29, 1834, there was no attempt 
among either, as far as known, at anything like the organization 
of a congregation. At that time, Rev. Wm. G. Mennig began 
preaching to the people of both denominations in a block-house, 
used during the week as a school-house, and occupying the site of 
the present grammar school building, on the corner of Centre 
and High streets. 

On June 18, 1837, a ^ united in laying the corner-stone of a 
new frame structure on Third street as their common place of 
worship. Revs. George and William G. Mennig, of the Lutheran, 
and Rev. Thomas Leinbach of the Reformed church, officiated 
upon that occasion. On October 8 and 9 of the same year the 
church was dedicated, under the name of Emanuel's church. 
Revs. Thomas Leinbach and David Hassinger of the Reformed, 
and Revs. Daniel Ulrich, Jonathan RuthraurT, Gottlieb Jeager and 
William G. Mennig, of the Lutheran church, officiated. Prior to 
1850, the Reformed congregation withdrew, and located on West 



172 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



Market street, leaving the church property in the hands of the 
Lutherans. 

On May 16, 1847, some members left the pastoral care of Rev. 
Wm. G. Mennig and formed "The English Lutheran Congrega- 
tion of Pottsville," under the Rev. Daniel Steck. There were 
eleven charter members, as follows : Mrs. Mary Bock, Mrs. 
Samuel Born, Mrs. Annie Born, Mr. Daniel Heil, Mr. Washington 
L. Heisler, Mrs. Sarah H. Heisler, Miss Barbara A. Heisler, Mr. 
Henry G. Kurtz, Mrs. Sarah A. Kurtz, Mr. John H. Kurtz and Mr. 
William Zern. The congregation worshiped for some time in a 
frame building on Second street, but in April, 185 1, ground was 




ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, POTTSVILLE, PA. 



broken for the erection of the present building. Revs. E. Breid- 
enbaugh and John E. GraerT assisted at the laying of the corner- 
stone, and Revs. B. Kurtz, D. D., A. C. Wedekind, and E. W. 
Hutter at the dedication of the completed structure, in the spring 
of 1852. 

Rev. Steck remained until Nov. 26, 1857. He organized a 
Ladies' Mite Society that still exists, received into membership 
182 persons, but left no other record of official acts. 

Rev. W. H. Luckenbach was pastor from November 26, 1857, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 73 

to August 20, 1859. He received 43, baptized 31, officiated at 
16 weddings and 26 funerals. 

Rev. S. A. Holman succeeded, from August 23, 1859, t0 Sep- 
tember 1, 1 86 1. He received 36, baptized 39, officiated at 7 
weddings. 

Rev. Philip Willard, of Schuylkill Haven, supplied the congre- 
gation from June 1 to October 1, 1862, receiving n. 

Rev. Uriel Graves followed, serving from April 1, 1866, to July 
6, 1868. He received 123, baptized 65, officiated at 4 weddings 
and 1 funeral. 

The charter was changed July 27, 1866. allowing all members 
to vote at elections. Hitherto the men only had the privilege. 
A lot adjoining the church was purchased for $1,700.00. In April, 
1867, an addition was built to the church, six feet wider than the 
rest of the building and twenty-eight feet in length, costing $6,000.00. 
$1,000.00 of this was paid under the present pastorate. The East 
Pennsylvania Synod convened with the congregation on September 
25 of this year, but held its sittings in the Second Presbyterian 
church near by. 

Rev. Daniel Steck again served the congregation from Septem- 
ber 22, 1868, to July 17, 1870. He received 63 members, but 
left no further record. 

Rev. J. Q. McAtee had charge from February 22, 187 1, to 
November 8, 1877. He received 260, baptized 273, officiated at 
79 weddings and 136 funerals. In December 13, 1876, a Young 
People's Sociable was organized, with a membership of 37. By 
February 19, 1872, the present parsonage was erected, at a cost 
of $4,697.26. It is a commodious, three-story structure, with 
pressed-brick front and brown-stone trimmings, and supplied with 
all modern conveniences. The Sunday-school room was re- 
floored, and re-seated with reversible pews in ash and walnut. 

Rev. John McCron, D. D., was pastor from June 20, 1878, to 
August 1, 1880. He received 52, baptized 33, officiated at 24 
weddings and 2 funerals. 

Rev. E. G. Hay, the present pastor, took charge on November 
28, 1880. He has thus far received 611, baptized 431. and offi- 
ciated at 197 weddings and 324 funerals. According to the 
records, therefore, which might have been much more accurate, 



174 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

the pastors of this church have officiated at 489 funerals and 327 
weddings; have baptized 862 children, and received into mem- 
bership 1,437 persons. 

Regretting that a lack of knowledge, even after a careful study 
of available records, prevents a fuller statement of leading events 
which occurred under preceding pastorates, we note the following 
under the present. Organizations effected : November 13, 1881, 
Children's Foreign Missionary Society, membership 120. April 
28, 1886, Young People's Social and Literary Assembly, member- 
ship 31. December 1, 1886, Women's Missionary Society, mem- 
bership 44. December 15, 1886, Young Ladies' Sewing Circle, 
membership 52. February 9, 1887, Young Men's Christian Asso- 
ciation, membership 23. November 27, 1887, The Christian 
Workers — a children's mission-band — membership 50. October 
13, 1890, Young Folks' Lyceum, membership 25. December 9, 
189 l, Young Ladies' Mission Band, membership 22. January 10, 
1892, A Branch of Missionary and Church Extension Society of 
Lebanon Conference, membership 25. June 12, 1892, Young 
People's Society of Christian Endeavor, membership 25. 

From September 20 to 26, 1882, the East Pennsylvania Synod 
was entertained by our people. On November 10, 1883, our 
congregation held a Luther Celebration in the Academy of Music 
in conjunction with the German Lutherans of this place. 

On February 23, 1883, we paid off our debt of $2,000.00. On 
May 13, 1883, the pastor's salary was raised $200.00. Novem- 
ber 10, 1883, new pulpit furniture was purchased at a cost of 
$200. March 1, 1884, the present envelope system took the 
place of a more cumbersome one. May 16, 1884, a handsome 
pipe organ was dedicated, Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., officiat- 
ing. The instrument, and the changes necessitated by its intro- 
duction, cost $1,440.73. April 5, 1885, stained glass windows, at 
a cost of $400.00, were substituted for the plain ones hitherto in 
use. July, 1885, a tin roof was placed upon the church. In 
November, 1885, a renovation of the audience chamber was be- 
gun, which was completed March 2 7, 1886, at an outlay of $1,502.99. 
March 28, the room was re-dedicated, Rev. J. H. Menges 
officiating. In December, 1886, the pastor began the publica- 
tion of a sixteen-page monthly congregational paper, entitled 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. I 75 

The English Lutheran. It is in pamphlet form, and 700 copies 
have been issued monthly for these six years. Many interesting 
historical facts are preserved in its pages. February 6, 1887, the 
Sunday-school was re-opened for service after a complete renova- 
tion, including re-papering and the addition of handsomech an- 
deliers. August 1, 1887, the pastor's salary was again increased 
by $200.00. February 26, 1888, a second department was added 
to the Sunday-school, consisting of fifty-one adult scholars. In 
April a new Sunday-school organ was purchased. In September, 
Rev. W. H. Dunbar officiated at the dedication of a new build- 
ing just erected for our infant scholars at a cost of $1,333.00. In 
the same month the pastor completed a history of the congrega- 
tion from its origin to that time. It is a cloth-bound volume of 
167 pages, and embraces many valuable statistics carefully col- 
lated. During the winter of 1889 and spring of 189c, the old 
church tower was removed and replaced by the present hand- 
some steeple, one hundred and eighteen feet in height, covered 
with copper and slate, and surmounted by a gilded crown. The 
cost was $1,600.00, and other concurrent improvements on the 
church front made an aggregate expense of $2,000.00. In June, 
1892, additional changes were made in the Sunday-school room, 
costing $150.00, and on the ninth of October it was resolved to in- 
troduce steam heat at once into both church and parsonage at a 
cost of $850.00. The work is now in progress. 

Our church is well located, and the congregation has long en- 
joyed the respect and sympathy of the community in all its 
efforts after material and spiritual prosperity. 



XXXII. ZION CHURCH, DAUPHIN. 

BY REV. M. L. HEISLER. 

The following quotation, introducing the subject of the organ- 
ization of a Lutheran and German Reformed congregation in the 
neighborhood of Dauphin, is from Dr. Wm. Egle's History of the 
counties of Dauphin and Lebanon : 

"About 1770 a log house was erected on land owned by 
Robert McCord half a mile north of the present town (Dauphin), 
and on the site of the ' Hill Church Cemetery.' 



176 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

" On October n, 1796, an agreement was entered into whereby 
Mr. McCord stipulated to convey by deed said lot to the trustees 
of the Middle Paxtang Presbyterian congregation. This convey- 
ance was made November 6, 18 13, to Wm. Cochran, Wm. Forster 
and James Green as said trustees. The expenses of the erection 
(of the building) were principally met by the Scotch-Irish set- 
tlers, who were then the main farmers of this region. The con- 
gregation at one time was very large, and this old log (weather- 
boarded) structure held 200 persons. The increase of German 
settlers led to the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians removing, and the 
church edifice passed into the hands of the Lutheran and Ger- 
man Reformed, or was jointly owned by them and the remaining 
Presbyterians. It burned down in 1855, but for some five or six 
years previous had not been used for religious services." 

The only information at hand concerning the pastors serving 
the Lutheran people in the old log church is, that at a period 
including 1830 Rev. Augustus H. Lochman preached there; and 
sometime prior to 1849, ^ ev - C. F. Stoever became pastor. The 
latter preached in the town of Dauphin, after the abandonment 
of the old log church, in the old Sons of Temperance Hall. 

At a meeting held September 5, 1849, ^ was 

Resolved, That in reliance upon the God of our fathers we un- 
dertake to build a house of worship for the joint use of the Luth- 
erans and the German Reformed. 

A building committee was selected, three from each congrega- 
tion, viz. : Lutheran, D. PofTmberger, Elias Fertig, H. C. Sponsler ; 
German Reformed, George Kinter, Geo. W. Urbin, Wilson C. 
Hyde. 

The following resolution was passed at the same meeting : 

Resolved, That the church be built on the lot of Mrs. Gross and 
part of the lot of Daniel Pofiinberger, if needed. 

At the same meeting two sets of officers, one for each congrega- 
tion, were selected. The Lutherans were : Elders, Daniel Poffin- 
berger and Samuel Miller ; Deacons, H. C. Sponsler and Leonard 
Poffinberger. 

On August 10, 1850, the corner-stone of the new church, named 
Zion, was laid with appropriate services. The exercises prepar- 
atory to the laying of the corner-stone were conducted in 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. I 77 

the Methodist church. The following-named ministers partici- 
pated : 

Rev. Mesick, Reformed; Rev. C. A. Hay, Lutheran; Rev. 
Moore, Presbyterian ; Rev. Ludden, Methodist Episcopal ; Rev. 
C. F. Stoever, pastor. Prayer was offered by Rev. Moore, and 
addresses were made by Revs. Mesick and Hay. Prayer was 
offered by Rev. Ludden, after which the meeting adjourned to the 
site of the new building. A hymn was sung, prayer offered by 
Rev. Mesick, and the pastor, after the usual service, exhibited, 
and then deposited in the corner-stone, Bible, Catechism of the 
General Synod of the Lutheran church, Catechism of the German 
Reformed church, list of contributors, pastor, building committee, 
elders, deacons, and members of the church, names of President 
of United States and Governor of Pennsylvania, county papers, 
Lutheran Observer, Minutes of 1849 °f tne Synod of Pennsyl- 
vania. The doxology was sung, and the benediction pronounced 
by Rev. Hay. 

This church was dedicated February 2, 1851, Rev. Stoever 
and Rev. Schneck, of Chambersburg, conducting the dedicatory 
services. Rev. A. H. Lochman, of York, preached the morning 
sermon; Rev. Schneck preached in the evening; Rev. Calder, 
appointed missionary to China, also preached in the evening, 
and Rev. Hiester on Monday evening. Rev. C. F. Stoever 
continued to serve as pastor of this church until about Septem- 
ber 1, 1852, serving it in connection with churches at Sandy 
Hollow, Wenrich's (near Linglestown) and Shoop's church. 
Rev. C. Nitterauer succeeded him, but remained only about a 
year. He was followed by Rev. Geo. J. Martz, who served until 
the latter part of 1867 or the beginning of 1868. 

In September, 1867, this congregation severed its connection 
with the Synod of Pennsylvania, and was received by the Synod 
of East Pennsylvania at its convention in Pottsville. Rev. Martz 
was followed as pastor by Rev. H. D. Kutz in 1868, who resigned 
October 24, 1869. The connection of this church with the other 
churches — Wenrich's, Sandy Hollow and Shoop's — terminated 
with Rev. Kutz's pastorate. Rev. D. P. Rosenmiller then became 
pastor, and served until his death, September 25, 1880. Follow- 
ing Rev. Rosenmiller, Rev. H. A. Letterman became pastor in 



178 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

October, 1882. He was the first minister who resided in Dauphin 
as pastor of the Lutheran church. He served a few years, but the 
burden of supporting a pastor alone rested heavily on the church 
and led to some difficulties from which it has not yet rallied. 
Rev. M. L. Heisler came in June, 1886, and has served as reg- 
ular supply to the present time. 

The original church edifice, erected in 1850, is still in a very 
good condition, and, owing to the present very gloomy industrial 
outlook of the town, will satisfy all demands for years to come. 
There has never been a parsonage attached to this church, and it 
may be added that it has never for any length of time indulged in 
any attachments of the kind that require legal interference for their 
dissolution. Whenever a debt was contracted, at once efforts were 
made to liquidate it by special subscription. For instance, the 
building after completion was soon cleared ; the property has 
been kept in good repair, and usually the money for repairs has 
been ready when needed or soon after repairs were completed. 

No regular records of benevolent contributions appear, though a 
few notices of synodical collections averaging in the earlier days 
$7.00 or $8.00. In 1868 Rev. McKnight visited the congregation in 
behalf of Pennsylvania College and collected $33.00. In 1878 the 
old bell was exchanged for a new one costing in position over 
$230.00, the difference being promptly paid. In 1880 the church 
was re-painted, carpeted, new blinds and lamps and fixtures put in, 
costing $241.16. In 1883 a new tin roof was put on, costing 
$162.50. In 1889 the church was papered, pulpit lowered, silver 
contribution plates procured, new blinds and new pulpit furniture 
at a cost of $76.26, and the Sunday-school room repaired and neatly 
carpeted, costing $60.00. These are given as evidences that the 
people have willingly paid to keep the house of God in good 
order. 

The church has contributed regularly since 1886 to the various 
objects of benevolence of Synod. The amounts though small and 
scattered among various objects have always been freely given. 
The pastor's salary has averaged all through the years of its his- 
tory about $300.00. 

The preaching has always been in the English language, with 
the exception of a German sermon at rare intervals. No German 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. I 79 

Reformed pastor ever regularly served the German Reformed 
part. Several visits were made by different ministers of that 
church, but their efforts soon lapsed and the German Reformed 
interest was by tacit consent, or rather by default, merged into the 
Lutheran, though the deed of the church property is to the joint 
Lutheran and German Reformed congregations. Such persons in 
the community as have any special interest in the Reformed 
church by virtue of early training or preference are now, and have 
been for years, identified with the Presbyterian church of the town. 

The church has no indebtedness, and the property is worth be- 
tween S2.000.00 and $3,000.00. It cost over $2,900.00, and by care 
and prompt repairs and improvements has maintained its value and 
could not be replaced for the amount of the original cost. Ex- 
penses are met by penny and special collections and by the 
efforts of the Ladies' Mite Society. 

The Sabbath-school is small, and better furnished than the 
number of scholars would actually require. It has borne lately 
the bulk of the calls for objects of benevolence. Few church 
papers are taken. Several copies of the Missionary Journal and 
about eight copies of the Lutheran Observer are circulated among 
the little handful of members still left. 

The membership, by death and removals, is dwindling in num- 
ber, until the question of the survival of the church is assuming 
a perplexing interest. The membership now is about thirty-five, 
with a loss of seven within a month. 

The industries of the place are dead. The young men are 
scattered all over the country in the bridge-building gangs of the 
various bridging firms of this and other states. The influences of 
such a life do not tend to lead these young men to take an active 
interest in the home churches, even when they are at home for a 
time. Yet the faithful still work on, hoping for a change to better 
things. 

XXXIII. SECOND STREET CHURCH, COLUMBIA, LAN- 
CASTER COUNTY. 

BY REV. WILLIS S. HINMAN. 

The history of Lutheranism in Columbia dates from the year 
1805, when Salem Lutheran (German) church was organized. 



l8o EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

The first English service was held in the German church on July 
i, 1849, when Rev. J. H. Menges preached to five persons. 
English services continued to be held monthly in the German 
church until February 5, 1850, when an English organization was 
effected by a small but earnest band, and in the spring of the 
same year the corner-stone of a new English Lutheran church was 
laid on the site of the present edifice. Rev. J. H. Menges con- 
tinued as the pastor. 

In 1859 the congregation withdrew from the Pennsylvania 
Synod and united with the East Pennsylvania Synod. At that 
time there were nearly 200 members, and a Sunday-school of 
about 400 scholars. In the following year Rev. J. H. Menges 
resigned, and from April 1, i860, to the present time the church 
has been served by the following pastors : 1860-1863, Rev. E. 
Dorsey ; 1863-1865, Rev. C. Reimensnyder ; 1865-1870, Rev. 
W. H. Steck; 1870-18 74, Rev. G. M. Rhodes; 18 75-1 8 7 7, Rev. 
I.C. Burke; 1877-1881, Rev. F. W. Staley ; 1881-1888, Rev. 
W. P. Evans. The present pastor, Rev. Willis S. Hinman, began 
his duties June 10, 1888. 

The church's history during this period has been a varied one, 
with alternating lights and shadows. In 1875, during the pastor- 
ate of Rev. I. C. Burke, the church was enlarged and improved 
at a cost of $10,000.00, one-half of which amount was unprovided 
for, and remained for many years a heavy burden to the congre- 
gation. 

It was doubtless out of this financial trouble and circumstances 
connected with it, that differences arose in the congregation which 
culminated in a disruption in the spring of 188 1, when nearly half 
of the members withdrew, including several of the church council, 
and organized a new congregation under the pastoral care of Rev. 
Samuel Yingling. The pastor of the old congregation, Rev. F. 
W. Staley, also resigned at the same time. After its organization 
the new congregation, being refused membership in the East 
Pennsylvania Synod, applied to the Pennsylvania Synod (General 
Council) and was received into that body, in which connection it 
still remains. 

The old congregation, left with only about 150 members, and a 
Sunday-school of only about 125, and burdened with a debt of 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 151 

nearly $6,000.00, though discouraged was not disheartened, and 
with a band of determined and faithful people took up the work 
with vigor and hope. A new pastor, Rev. W. P. Evans, was called 
at once, who proved an earnest and efficient leader of the re-organ- 
ized forces. During his pastorate the heavy debt was finally can- 
celed on March 18, 1887. A special jubilee service was held, at 
which several addresses were made by local and visiting clergy- 
men, and the canceled bonds and mortgages were publicly burned. 
The congregation now numbered 225 members, and the Sunday- 
day-school 300. 

During the period spent in raising the debt nothing had been 
done to the church building, and it was now very much in need 
of repairs. After about a year's rest, during which time Rev. 
W. P. Evans had resigned, and the present pastor, Rev. Willis S. 
Hinman, had succeeded him, the needed work was undertaken, 
and completed at a cost of about $1,500.00, all of which was paid 
on completion of the work. The congregation had never had a 
parsonage, and in the summer of the following year, 1889, a 
handsome brick parsonage was erected on a lot owned by the 
congregation, adjoining the church, at an expense of nearly 
$4,000.00. In the fall of 1892 the lecture-room of the church was 
re-modeled at an expenditure of $1,200.00, and was re-dedicated 
November 20th, 1892. 

During the struggle for the liquidation of the debt and the work 
of repairing and building, there was no diminution in the contri- 
butions for the support of the 'church. On the contrary, the 
salaries of the servants of the congregation have several times 
been increased, and the offerings for synodical and other benevo- 
lent objects have constantly increased from year to year. Indeed, 
the record of this congregation, especially since 1881, is one of 
which the church may well be proud. The membership has 
grown to 280, and, in addition to the services held in the church, 
a Sunday-school of about 80 members is maintained in the chapel 
at Kinderhook, about two miles from town, by some members of 
the congregation who live in that vicinity. 



1 82 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

XXXIV. PALMYRA CHARGE, LEBANON COUNTY— PAL- 
MYRA AND BELLEGROVE. 

BY REV. D. R. BECKER. 

i. Christ Church, Bellegrove. 

The church at this place was erected in 1850, under the admin- 
istration of Rev. A. C. Wedekind. It is beautifully located and 
well-built. The congregation, which now numbers 125, has 
been served by the pastors of various neighboring charges. Rev. 
J. M. Deitzler served for about a year in 1856. Rev. Christian 
A. Fetzer was pastor from i860 to 1863, and Rev. J. M. Deitzler 
from 1865 to 1892, when the congregation was united with the re- 
cently organized church at Palmyra to form the Palmyra charge. 
Rev. D. R. Becker was then called, and entered upon labor in 
the united pastorate September 18, 1892. 

2. St. John's Church, Palmyra. 

This congregation, composed of members formerly belonging 
to surrounding General Council and General Synod churches, was 
regularly organized June 19, 1890. The following persons con- 
stituted the inchoate organization : John Bordner, Martin Early 
and wife, Sarah, Dr. M. R. Fisher and wife, Marion C, Amos 
Henning, John Hippie, Hannah Horstich, Sarah Horst, D. B. 
Leslie and wife, Mary, with daughters, Alice C, and Anna L., 
John A. Ricker and wife, Malinda, Henry U. Seltzer and wife, 
Anna, John R. Seltzer, Jacob Snoke, C. F. Zimmerman and wife, 
Lizzie, and Levi Zimmerman. 

The first Church Council of this congregation was duly in- 
stalled by Rev. M. H. Stine, of Lebanon. It consisted of John 
Bordner, Martin Early, and Dr. M. R. Fisher, trustees ; John A. 
Ricker and Amos Henning (secretary), deacons, and Henry U. 
Seltzer and Jacob Snoke, elders. D. B. Leslie was the acting 
chairman. The congregation was received into the East Penn- 
sylvania Synod September 19, 1890, while in convention at Co- 
lumbia. From the time of organization until fall the congrega- 
gation worshiped fortnightly in the Academy, paying a rental fee 
of one dollar and fifty cents for each service. During the winter 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 83 

they worshiped in the United Brethren church, paying the same 
fee. In the spring of 1891 they returned to the Academy, and 
there, April 26, organized a Sabbath-school with a membership 
of twenty-eight. Dr. Fisher was elected superintendent. 

The convention of the Lebanon Conference in the Academy, 
April 20-22, 1 89 1, gave recognition, stability, and manifest im- 
petus to the newly-formed congregation. The trustees, together 
with Jacob Snoke and Levi Zimmerman, constituted the Building 
Committee. They chose as their treasurer Simon L. Gingrich. 
The auspicious outlook for the incipient congregation prompted 
the committee to look for, as well as secure, an appropriate lot 
on which to erect a house of worship. In this they were not un- 
successful, for on the 8th of July, 1890, they procured from Peter 
B. Witmer, for the sum of six hundred dollars, a suitable and de- 
sirable site. The work of excavation and foundation was begun 
in the fall, but discontinued during the winter. In early spring it 
was resumed, and May 27, 1891, the corner-stone was laid. 
The officiating clergy were Revs. W. H. Lewars and VV. H. Dun- 
bar. Henceforth the work progressed steadily until May 29, 
1892, when the neat, substantial stone structure was dedicated 
to the service of God. The acting pastor. Rev. W. H. Lewars, 
was assisted by Revs. M. H. Stine, J. M. Deitzler, W. H. Dunbar 
and R. W. HurTord, D. D., President of Synod, who preached 
the dedicatory sermon. 

The success and steady growth of this congregation is due in 
great measure to the energy and tact of their acting pastor, Rev. 
W. H. Lewars, of Annville, in honor of whom the members pro- 
cured and placed in commanding position a memorial window as 
a token of great respect and high appreciation. 

The present incumbent received an invitation to preach for 
both the Bellegrove congregation and the Palmyra congregation, 
July 10, 1892. The two Church Councils mutually agreed, July 
18, to accept the recommendation of Synod, published 1891, and 
form one pastorate. They elected their present pastor Aug- 
ust 7. He accepted their call, and entered upon his ministerial 
duties in the Palmyra pastorate September 18, 1892. This pas- 
torate receives aid from the " Lutheran Missionary and Church 
Extension Society of the Lebanon Conference " to the amount of 



184 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

two hundred dollars. The membership of this congregation at 
this writing is thirty-three. As recently as November 17 a 
Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organized, 
with ten members. Existing circumstances and present outlook 
augur well for this congregation. 



XXXV. RIEGELSVILLE CHARGE, BUCKS COUNTY.— 
RIEGELSVILLE AND RAUBSVILLE. 

BY REV. C. L. FLECK. 

i. St. Peter's Church, Riegelsville. 

The history of the Riegelsville congregation, as an organization, 
dates from about 1851. Previous to this time, however, there 
was preaching in this locality by Lutheran and Reformed minis- 
ters in the school-house, which building was afterward constructed 
into a dwelling and is yet used as such. While there is no church 
record to this effect, it is the general testimony of those who can 
distinctly recall the events of that date, that there was preaching 
here in 1850 on Sunday afternoon, by Rev. J. McCron, who was 
at that time pastor of what was then called the "Straw church" 
(now St. James') in New Jersey. A private record gives the 
information that there was preaching as early as January 27, 1850, 
by Rev. Geo. Diehl, of Easton, and by Rev. McCron on March 
24 of the same year. 

From this and other intelligence given, it would seem fair to 
suppose that these brethren, both of whom are now "at rest," had 
a mutual understanding as to looking after the interests of the 
Lutheran church in this place. It was in this year that the Lu- 
theran and Reformed people of this vicinity joined hands and 
erected a church building, in which they were to worship alter- 
nately. The work was begun in April, and the church was dedi- 
cated January 1, 1851. 

Rev. McCron left no record ol ministerial acts, but evidently he 
was interested in this people and in their new enterprise, for his 
name is engraved or moulded on the church bell. After the 
church was built he preached here from January to April, after 
which Rev. Diehl's services were rendered until July. It seems, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 85 

however, that the latter served as a regular pastor, for the minutes 
speak of him as presiding over a meeting of the officers of the con- 
gregation, which assembled June 3, 185 1, for the purpose of call- 
ing a pastor, which call they wished to have accepted " after the 
resignation of our present pastor, Rev. Geo. Diehl, shall go into 
effect ;" and baptisms are recorded and referred to as "adminis- 
tered by the former pastor, viz. : Rev. Geo. Diehl of Easton." At 
some time during this interval, an organization was effected, but 
there is no reference to the fact more than that a Constitution 
was adopted May 20, 1850. 

The " Call," previously mentioned, was sent to Rev. J. R. Wil- 
lox, who had preached June 1, and was accepted. Rev. Willox 
labored in this field about ten years, with diligence and accepta- 
bility. He faithfully catechised the young and was accustomed 
to hold "protracted meetings." He preached at Finesville, 
Raubsville and Holland as outposts. Soon after entering upon 
his work here, he organized the Upper Tinicum congregation, 
where a church was built in 1852. This point was served in con- 
nection with Riegelsville until 1891. In 1856 a sore affliction 
befell his family, when in thirty-four days four of his children died 
from scarlet fever. Being the first regular pastor on this territory, 
the work was found difficult and discouraging; nevertheless it 
was pursued with fidelity and hopefulness, and with much prayer 
and sacrifice he sowed the seed, that then and afterward brought 
forth an abundant harvest. 

In October, 1861, Rev. C. L. Keedy was elected pastor, who 
served the charge one year.. Rev. Nathan Jaeger was the next 
pastor chosen. He entered upon his duties in March, 1863. 
In November of the same year, whilst driving to Easton, he was 
thrown from his buggy, and fatally injured. He died January 2, 
1864, aged forty-three years, and was buried in the cemetery at 
Riegelsville. 

In May, 1864, Rev. Theophilus Heilig, of Stroudsburg, became 
pastor. His time of service was twelve years and four months. 
At some time during this period the present parsonage was 
bought for $3,200.00. It is a very desirable property, a pleasant 
home, and a most commendable monument to the efforts of those 
who shared in its purchase. 



1 86 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

In 1 871, although the two congregations had been worship- 
ing together in comparative peace, there was a growing desire to 
separate; consequently on January 20, 1872, at a congregational 
meeting, it was resolved to accept the offer of the sister denom- 
ination, and to purchase the right and title of the Reformed 
congregation in the church building and lot. The amount paid 
was $2,200.00. 

Another important event in the history of this charge took 
place during this period. It was customary to elect a delegate 
to accompany the pastor to the annual meetings of the East 
Pennsylvania Synod; but on May 28, 1876, a delegate was 
elected to attend the Pennsylvania Ministerium, to assemble at 
Reading, June 10. This is the first and only mention of a dele- 
gate to this body. The minutes record no action of the congre- 
gation in effecting this synodical change, and that it was done 
contrary to their desire is shown by subsequent action ; for on 
November 12, after a four weeks' notice, the congregation as- 
sembled, and, by a vote of thirty-three to two, decided to "return 
to the East Pennsylvania Synod, where they formerly belonged." 

Rev. Heilig resigned August 27, 1876, and Rev. D. T. Koser 
became his successor, April 1, 1877. He served the charge until 
May 1, 1887. These were years of faithful labor, and resulted in 
the general upbuilding of the charge in membership, in benev- 
olence, and in general efficiency. 

In 1878 the church was repaired, principally the exterior, at a 
cost of about $1,300.00. This was the result of a congregational 
meeting; which took place on March 9, 1878, and was held to 
consider the question of repairing the old church or building a 
new one. Although there was a goodly number that favored the 
building of a new church, those who thought best to repair pre- 
vailed. 

The church property was further increased in value, about this 
time, by the securing of a lot of ground near by, where quite a 
number of sheds have been erected by individual members, at 
their own expense, to afford protection to their teams in inclement 
weather. In 1861 the basement of the church was re-modeled at 
a considerable expense, being made much more cheerful and 
much better adapted to efficient Sabbath-school work. It was 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



I8 7 



arranged so as to give the school the benefit of four different 
apartments. 

It was during Rev. Koser's term of service that the Riegelsville 
congregation united with St. Paul's Lutheran church of Easton, 
and ran an excursion to Ocean Grove and Long Branch, which 
has been run annually up to this date, 1892. 

In July, 1887, Rev. C. L. Fleck, of the Theological Seminary at 
Gettysburg, became Rev. Koser's successor. The charge con- 
sisted of the same points as that served by former pastors. There 
was to be preaching at Riegelsville three successive Sundays in 
the month in the morning, at L T pper Tinicum every fourth Sun- 
day, and at Raubsville every two weeks in the afternoon. 

In view of the church needing some repairs, and because of a 
desire on the part of some to build a new church, a meeting was 







: 


Graf 




iM$\}f\ \|'.jfl 


8k 



*; t*\**r 



ST. PETER'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, RIEGELSVILLE, PA. 



called to consider the matter on December 1, 1888, almost ten 
years after the similar meeting above referred to. After carefully 
weighing the question, it was decided to build a new church. 
There was a little sentiment in favor of repairing the old church, 
but it was of such a yielding character, that it can be said with 
gratification that almost perfect unanimity prevailed throughout 



155 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

the entire time of building. The old church was torn down early 
in February, immediately after it was vacated. Work was begun 
on the new church early in spring, and the corner-stone was laid 
May 5, 1889. A sermon was preached by Rev. R. W. HufTord, of 
Easton, and remarks made by Rev. A. R. Steck, of Stewartsville, 
N. J. After vacating the old church, the congregation rented the 
G. A. R. Hall, which was destroyed by fire a few weeks after. 
The loss to the church was about $200.00, including organ, Sab- 
bath-school library, clock, etc. They then secured Mechanics' 
Hall, where they worshiped until January 5, 1890, when the lec- 
ture-room of the new church was finished. The church was de- 
dicated September, 1890. It cost over $12,000.00, besides the 
material used from the old church, and the voluntary assistance 
rendered by the members, in removing the old building, prepar- 
ing the foundation, and hauling the material, etc. The architect 
was Rev. A. K. Felton, of the Lutheran church. The indebted- 
ness is about $2,000.00. 

When the congregation became settled in their new home, 
there was a desire manifest to have preaching every Sunday 
morning. Accordingly steps were taken to effect such an ar- 
rangement, and the Upper Tinicum congregation was requested 
to join with Nockamixon, which was then vacant, and form a new 
charge. The change was satisfactorily made, and took place in 
June, 1 89 1, with the understanding that it should not affect the 
pastor's salary, which was then $700.00. 

The Sunday-school is in a flourishing condition. Previous to 
building the first church, and while the two congregations wor- 
shiped together, it was a union school. It is now larger than 
both were then, and doing much more efficient work. For some 
years it has given a large proportion of its contributions to be- 
nevolence. 

A W. H. & F. M. Society was organized in 1886 by Mrs. D. T- 
Koser, and has been doing a good work. It numbers about 50 
active members and 6 honorary, and circulates at present 67 
Missionary Journals. It has had co-operating with it, since 1888, 
a faithful little Mission Band. 

In May, 1891, a Y. P. S. C. E. was organized. The young 
people are deeply interested in the movement, and it promises to 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 89 

leave telling effects for good. It numbers about 75 active and 
associate members. 

Some twenty Lutheran Observers are taken in the congregation. 
But one member has studied for the ministry, viz. : Samuel T. 
Nicholas, who expects to graduate from the Theological Seminary 
at Gettysburg, in May, 1893. The congregation is of substantial 
growth, and promises to have a future history fully as creditable as 
that thus far recorded. 

2. St. Paul's Church, Raubsville (Uhlersville). 

The history of this congregation dates from January, 1854, al- 
though there was preaching in the school-house back of Raubsville 
by Rev. J. R. Willox for an indefinite period previous to that 
time. This point has always been served in connection with the 
Riegelsville church. 

On the afternoon of January 21, 1854, a few members of the 
Lutheran church living in Uhlersville and vicinity met in Peter 
Uhler's school-house for the purpose of organizing themselves into 
an Evangelical Lutheran Church. The reason given was, that 
there was no church of their own faith near enough for them to 
attend, and that there was need of English preaching in the 
neighborhood. The new organization was to be connected with 
the General Synod Lutheran Church, and with the Riegelsville 
charge, which was served at that time by Rev. J. R. Willox. It 
was to be called the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Uhlersville. 

Such an organization was effected, and on Sunday afternoon, 
January 22, " immediately after the services of public worship," 
they elected church officers — one elder and two deacons. These 
were regularly installed the following Sunday. This movement 
seems to have been entirely satisfactory to the Riegelsville con- 
gregation, for on March 19, 1854, a meeting of the Council was 
held, " at which a resolution was passed unanimously to receive 
the proposal of the Uhlersville congregation, viz., that they pay 
$125.00 salary, and receive preaching twice a month, once in the 
morning and once in the afternoon." Mention is made of the 
installation of church officers again in i860, "the only change in 
the council since the church was organized." 

There is no account of officers being elected after that, and no 



I90 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

mention is made in the minutes of the Riegelsville church of the 
Uhlersville congregation as such after September 22, 1861, when 
Rev. C. L. Keedy was elected pastor of the charge. The two 
following pastors were called with the distinct understanding that 
they were to preach at Riegelsville " twice a month in the morn- 
ing," and in the afternoon of the same day "at such other place, 
or places, as the church council may direct." But while the 
organization, for some unknown reason, ceased to exist, there 
must have been preaching at this point regularly, for there is an 
unbroken record of ministerial acts performed by the different 
pastors. 

The school-house, previously referred to, was used as a place 
of worship for over thirty years, but, it having become unfit for 
this purpose, it was decided, by those who were accustomed to 
worship here, to build a new church. This action was taken in 
January, 1887. The new building was to be located at Raubs- 
ville, as a more desirable site could be procured at that place. 
The corner-stone was laid on June 19, the former pastor, Rev. D. 
T. Koser, returning to officiate on that occasion. He was also 
present at the dedication of the church, January 22, 1888, at 
which time Rev. J. H. Menges, of Philadelphia, solicited contri- 
butions to meet the indebtedness. The cost of the church was 
$3,600.00. 

A few years later, a bell was purchased at a cost of $190.00. 
When the bell was hung in the place designed and prepared for 
it when the church was building, it was found to be too low to 
sound well throughout the community. To obviate this it was 
decided by the congregation to build a steeple somewhat higher 
on the opposite corner of the church. This was completed and 
proved much more satisfactory. The cost of the improvement, 
and re-painting the exterior of the church, was over $500.00. 
A desire was now manifest on the part of the members to organ- 
ize themselves into a congregation, remaining however a part of 
the Riegelsville charge. For this purpose a committee was ap- 
pointed to meet the council at Riegelsville and request of them 
an honorable dismissal of the members in the vicinity of Raubs- 
ville, who desired to become members of the new organization. 
The request was granted, and the organization was effected, and 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 191 

subsequently was admitted into East Pennsylvania Synod as a 
separate congregation. 

There has been a Sunday-school faithfully conducted in the 
community for many years. Previous to the building of the 
church it was held in the school-house, sometimes called the 
"Uhlersville church." During these days it was a union school. 
But when they entered the new church it became denominational. 

A W. H. & F. M. society was organized October, 1888, by 
Mrs. C. L. Fleck, which continues to be in a flourishing con- 
dition. There are twenty-eight members, and twenty-five Mis- 
sionary Journals are taken. There are in the congregation five 
subscribers to the Lutheran Observer. Although this congrega- 
tion is small, it is in a fair condition to be of great usefulness. 



XXXVI. MINERSVILLE AND TREMONT CHARGE, 
SCHUYLKILL CO. 

BY REV. J. C. TRAUGER. 

i. English Lutheran Church, Minersville. 

The English Evangelical Lutheran congregation of Minersville 
was organized in 185 1. The following-named brethren consti- 
tuted the first council : Elders : Daniel Hoch, Isaac Straub ; 
Deacons : Levi Deitrich, Joseph Weaver. 

The members of the new organization withdrew from the Ger- 
man Lutheran church on account of a strong desire for English 
services, which were prohibited in the mother church. The con- 
gregation first worshiped in a small Baptist church on South 
street, then in what was known as " Odd Fellows' Hall," on the 
corner of South (East) and Sunbury streets. They were supplied 
with preaching services by Rev. Daniel Steck, the resident pastor 
of Pottsville English Lutheran church. During this time the 
present church building was erected and, in the autumn of 1853, 
dedicated to the Triune God. Daniel Hoch, Mrs. Hoch and 
Harriet Straub are the only members still living and in vital con- 
nection with the present congregation. 

The first regular council meeting after the completion of the 
present church structure took place on November 20, 1853, and 
they decided to extend a call to Rev. J. K. Kast at a salary of 



I92 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

$325.00. Rev. Kast accepted the call and became the first pas- 
tor that same year. His ministry with this infant organization 
lasted until 1855. The next pastor was Rev. Jacob Steck, who 
was called immediately after his predecessor's resignation, and re- 
mained until March 3, 1857. Rev. M. Sheeleigh was called 
August 3, 1857, and remained to July, 1859. His successor, 
Rev. E. A. Auld, entered upon his duties as pastor January 1, i860, 
and served the congregation until about January 1, 1864. Rev. 
H. C. Shindle became his successor, receiving his call June 5, 
1864, and labored in their midst until April 1, 1868. Rev. Chas. 
Fickinger fell in line September 1, 1869, and made a brief stay 
up to September, 1870. Rev. R. Weiser inaugurated his ministry 
here November 1, 1870, and continued until the end of his active 
service for the Master, May 28, 1872. During an interim here 
Rev. J. Q. McAtee, pastor of Pottsville English Lutheran church, 
supplied the pulpit every couple of weeks in the afternoon. Rev. 
J. B. Anthony was the next regular pastor, from June 1, 1874, to 
November 21, 1875. R- ev - McAtee, of Pottsville, was now chosen 
as their officiating clergyman, serving to September, 1877. Rev. 
A. N. Warner, from September 29, 1878, when called, to May 26, 
1879, and Rev. I. P. Neff, March 29, 1880, to December 1, 1881, 
complete the list of administrations up to the time when a union 
was effected with Tremont English Lutheran congregation. The 
formation of these two churches into a charge began under Rev. 
I. P. Neff. The first pastor called by the joint councils was Rev. 
Washington L. Heisler, and his ministry with this persevering con- 
gregation extends over a period of four years, from February 11, 
1883, until February 1, 1887. Rev. G. G. M. Brown took charge 
August 15, 1888, and remained a little over a year, up to Decem- 
ber 1, 1889. Rev. J. C. Trauger received his call in February 
1890, took charge on July 1 of the same year, and is still labor- 
ing with these kind and liberal people. 

The congregation has a membership of about 120, and an active 
membership of about 106. There are about 25 Lutheran Ob- 
servers taken and all use the Augsburg Lesson Helps in Sunday- 
school work. 

2. St. John's Church, Tremont. 

St. John's English Evangelical Lutheran church of Tremont, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 93 

Pa., dates back for its origin to the year 1853. The Lutheran 
congregation then organized by Rev. E. S. Henry, the resident 
pastor of Pine Grove, consisted of sixteen members, of whom 
only Mr. and Mrs. Zachariah Batdorff are at present in active 
membership. 

The sendees were regularly conducted in both German and 
English. In the year 1855, the church edifice, in which the 
German Lutheran congregation still worships, was completed. 

In the year 186 1, the German part of the Lutheran congrega- 
tion organized themselves into a separate congregation and called 
a pastor. The English part did likewise, and took the name of 
St. John's English Evangelical Lutheran church of Tremont. 
Both congregations lived peaceably with each other and worshiped 
in the same building until 1866, when St. John's congregation 
sold their interest in the church which they held in part with the 
Presbyterians. They then bought the so-called " stone church," 
now the commodious place of worship of the St. John's English 
Lutheran congregation. This church building had been originally 
commenced (about 1848) as a union church, Lutheran and Re- 
formed, but, as the old Presbyterian church completed by the 
Lutherans before, so this stood in an unfinished state, awaiting 
Lutheran hands to complete the work. This church the St. 
John's congregation purchased and began to finish in 1866. An 
agreement was entered into with Z. Batdorff to complete its erec- 
tion, after which the congregation was to purchase the same. 

The first council recorded, which held its first meeting Janu- 
ary 15, i860, was composed of the following brethren, and held 
their first meeting January 15, i860 : 

Elders — Isaac H. Alter, William R. Reece \ deacons — Chris- 
tian Lawer, John E. Lehman ; trustees — John A. Seltzer, Jacob 
Gruber, Jr., Frederic Wolfe. In all probability there were coun- 
cils before, and many meetings, but the minutes have been 
destroyed or lost. The first pastor was Rev. S. Jesse Berlin. 
He was elected in December, and entered upon his duties Feb- 
ruary 1, 1867. During the ministry of this faithful brother the 
congregation was brought into regular connection with the East 
Pennsylvania Synod of the General Synod. Rev. Berlin, being in 
delicate health, was forced to resign October 1, of the same 



194 EA ST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

year. He remained in Tremont until his decease, which 
occurred February 6, 1868, at the early age of thirty- seven years. 
The church edifice was not completed until 1868, and was then 
deeply involved in debt. The consecration services were held 
January 1, 1869, Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., of Philadelphia, 
preaching the sermon, being assisted by Rev. E. S. Henry, of Pine 
Grove, and the pastor. The pastor during this time was Rev. 
Frederick Klinefelter, of Philadelphia. He took charge January 
1, 1868, and resigned about January 1, 1872. Rev. Henry C. 
Grossman was extended a call from the congregation on March 2, 
1873, and accepted. His labors extended over a period of three 
years, to March 2, 1876. Brother Grossman's successor was 
Rev. Henry L. Dox. He formally accepted May 31, 1876, and 
resigned October 26, 1878. During the interim which followed, 
Rev. G. J. Martz, of Lebanon, and Rev. I. P. NerT, of Minersville, 
supplied the congregation with preaching. On July 31, 1881, 
after services, Rev. I. P. NerT officiating, it was decided to an- 
nounce services every two weeks, provided it was agreeable to 
Minersville, where Rev. NerT was the pastor. This was the origin 
of the present union of the St. John's Lutheran congregation of 
Tremont with the English Lutheran of Minersville in a single 
charge. On December 1, in the same year, Mr. NerT removed to 
Shenandoah, leaving Tremont and Minersville congregations 
vacant. They now proceeded jointly to call a pastor. Rev. W. L. 
Heisler, who was thus elected, took up his abode in Tremont, 
February n, 1883, and served these earnest people until Feb- 
ruary 1, 1887. Rev. G. G. M. Brown, who was next called, took 
charge August 11, 1888, and worked for the building up of the 
charge with great energy and zeal until December 1, 1889. In 
February, 1890, the present pastor received the call to carry on 
the work, so faithfully begun and carried on hitherto. He has for 
two years and a half labored with pleasure and encouragement 
among this Christian people, both at Tremont and Minersville. 
The membership at Tremont at present is 89 members in good 
and regular standing. There are 20 Lutheran Observers taken 
in this congregation, and the Sunday-school is prosperous, using 
the Augsburg Lesson Helps. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 195 

XXXVII. ZION CHURCH, LYKENS, DAUPHIN COUNTY. 

BY REV. P. S. HOOPER. 

The first minister who represented the Lutheran church in this 
vicinity was Rev. C. F. Stoever, who preached occasionally in 
Lykens and the neighboring town of Wiconisco. He was on the 
Berrysburg charge from 1845 to 1850. Rev. N. Jeager, the next 
pastor on the same charge, effected an organization of the congre- 
gation at Lykens and Wiconisco, remaining from 1850 to 1852. 
He was followed by Rev. J. Martin, who did not preach at either 
Lykens or Wiconisco — devoting his whole time to the work in 
the Berrysburg pastorate. This continued, however, only one 
year; for on November 2, 1853, Rev. D. Sell took charge of the 
Berrysburg pastorate — and gave much of his time to this field. 
After consolidating the membership of the two towns — Lykens 
and Wiconisco — he proceeded to erect a house of worship in Ly- 
kens. This building was a substantial brick structure in which 
the congregation worshiped for about a generation. It was built 
in 1859. Mr. Sell remained the pastor until April 1, 1861. 
Rev. P. P. Lane next came in charge, on April 1, 1861, and re- 
mained one year — to April 1, 1862. The next was Rev. G. P. 
Weaver, who took charge April 1, 1862, and also remained only 
one year, resigning April 1, 1863. Rev. C. A. Fetzer entered the 
field and took up the work April 1, 1863. He served the charge 
until April 1, 1866. Next came Rev. M. Fernsler, who arrived 
on the Berrysburg charge December 2, 1866, remaining until April 
1, 1871, at which time Lykens and Williamstown were made a sep- 
arate charge, afterwards called the "Lykens Charge," which was 
served by Rev. D. Kloss from April 1, 1871, to April 1, 1877. 
Rev. J. A. Wirt arrived and took charge June 1, 1877. He was 
succeeded May 15, 1883, by Rev. M. L. Heisler, after whom came 
Rev. W. H. Fishburn, June 1, 1886. Previous to the giving of 
the call to Mr. Fishburn, the partnership of the two congregations 
— Lykens and Williamstown — was dissolved, each place calling its 
own pastor. Mr. Fishburn remained in charge at Lykens eleven 
months, and was followed, July 10, 1887, by Rev. Herman F. Kroh, 
who remained at his post until August, 1889, when he resigned. 
Soon afterward a call was extended to Rev. Philip Stansbury 



196 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Hooper, the present pastor, who entered upon his duties January 
1, 1890. During his pastorship, the old church edifice, which had 
well served its generation, was torn down and the present modern 
structure, at a cost of about $10,000.00, was erected on its site, 
upon which there remains an indebtedness of about $2,000.00. 
A good parsonage adjoins the church lot. 

Preaching was formerly in German and English. The attempt 
to dispense with the German occasioned at times no little dis- 
turbance, but the present pastor, who was known to be unable to 
preach German, was elected with only one dissenting voice. 




ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, LYKENS, PA. 

Since then, no German sermon has been preached, and there is 
no apparent demand for any. 

There are four societies, Woman's Home and Foreign Mission- 
ary Society, Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, Junior 
Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, and Church Aid 
Society. 

Sixty-eight copies of the Luthei'an Observer are taken, six of 
the Lutheran World, four of the Lutheran Evangelist, and twenty 
of the Missionary Journal. 

The Sunday-school numbers about 300 — with no history known 
to the present pastor of great value to posterity. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 197 

XXXVIII. FIRST CHURCH, STEWARTSVILLE, N. J. 

BY REV. WM. E. FRY. 

Stewartsville Lutheran congregation was organized in the year 
1852. Rev. James McCron, then pastor of St. James' church of 
Phillipsburg, N. J., deserves credit for encouraging some of his own 
members, who lived in the vicinity of Stewartsville, to form a sep- 
arate organization and build a church. He, and afterwards his 
successor, Rev. John Plitt, preached once in two weeks in the 
Stewartsville school-house, and the Presbyterian minister from 
Greenwich church supplied the intervening Sundays. Rev. Dr. 
Reynolds, of Easton, preached occasionally. The church was 
built after the Presbyterians had completed theirs, but before the 
organization of the Lutheran congregation. On August 28, 1852, 
at a meeting held in the church building at Stewartsville, the or- 
ganization of the congregation was effected with the assistance of 
Rev. Plitt, chairman, who, with Philip E. Weller and John Kase, 
was appointed upon a committee to draft a constitution, which was 
immediately presented and unanimously adopted. The following 
were elected : elders, John Fulmer, John Kase, Philip E. Weller ; 
deacons, George H. Weller, William S. Kase, Isaac Zellers, 
Charles R. Thompson. September 25, 1852, a meeting of the 
congregation was held to elect trustees, "for the purpose of being 
legally incorporated." The following were elected : John Fulmer, 
Jr., Thomas Thatcher, John Fritz, Matthias Pickle, George Scott, 
William Hulshizer, Henry Snyder, Jr. 

Rev. D. M. Henkel, the first pastor, took charge April 8, 1855. 
On Sunday, June 1 7, he administered the Lord's Supper to fifty- 
two persons, and on the same day began the Church Record. 
The pastor was called for one year, and at the end of that time 
another call was extended to him for the succeeding year, so that 
at the end of each year the " call " was renewed. 

The pastor was required to preach two sermons every Sunday, 
one every Sunday forenoon, and one every two weeks on Sunday 
evening during the winter in the church at Stewartsville, and at 
stated times at different stations within bounds stated by church 
council. The salary was $400.00 without parsonage. Rev. Henkel 



I98 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

relinquished his charge May 30, 1859, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Joseph Barclay, September 1, 1859, who received a salary of 
$550.00 with parsonage. About this time a parsonage was pro- 
cured through the efforts of the committee appointed, Matthias 
Pickle, Alva Kase, Chas. R. Thompson, Enos Mangle, for the sum 
of $700.00, not including the cost of the building of the stable. 
The congregation took part in the formation of a synod in the 
State of New Jersey, and at a meeting of the church council, 
October 2, 1859, sent as delegates Rev. Barclay and George H. 
Weller. 

The resignation of Rev. Barclay took effect November 1, 1863, 
and the pastorate of Rev. Matthias Sheeleigh began June, 1864. 
December 18, 1864, Wm. Kase, chairman of a committee, re- 
ported to the Joint Council that there was not room enough to 
put such additions to the parsonage as were needed to make it a 
convenient size. The old parsonage was accordingly abandoned 
and a new one built at the cost of $4,000.00. Rev. Sheeleigh re- 
signed his position as pastor April 27, 1869. He was succeeded 
by Rev. J. R. Sikes, who took charge November 1, 1869, at a sal- 
ary of $700.00 with parsonage and donation the first year, and 
$800.00 with parsonage and a subscription amounting to about 
$50.00 the second year. The pew rents were increased twenty- 
five per cent. The new edition of the hymn-book was for the first 
time used. Rev. J. R. Sikes vacated the charge September 8, 1872. 
The next pastor, Rev. P. Rizer, of Hummelstown, Pa., received a 
unanimous call at a salary of $700.00 and parsonage. The church 
at his coming in 1873 belonged to the New York and New Jersey 
Synod, but to the East Pennsylvania Synod before his leaving. 
He relinquished his pastorate May 17, 1877. 

Rev. William Kelly assumed charge October 1, 1877. The 
church was then warmed with stoves, but very soon furnaces were 
substituted. A modern pulpit took the place of the old-time 
"swallow" pulpit. The great square posts which supported the 
galleries were replaced by iron columns. Another aisle was 
added. A centre chandelier was put in by Mr. Howard Melick 
and wife, as a memorial to Mr. William Kase. The melodeon 
was removed and a pipe organ put in its place. The floor was 
newly carpeted. The heavy wooden pillars which supported the 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 1 99 

basement were superseded by iron ones. The walls of the 
church were painted. The shed for horses in the churchyard 
was put up, and trees now growing round the church were 
planted. The parsonage was painted inside and outside. A debt 
of nearly $300.00 was paid off. Rev. Kelly organized the Mite 
Society, which assisted in improving the financial condition of 
the church. He succeeded in interesting the congregation in 
the work of the Synod, and raised as apportionment money dur- 
ing the second half of his ministry about $75.00 per year. The 
Church Record shows 70 new members, 55 baptisms, 22 mar- 
riages, 55 burials. His successful pastorate ended March 1, 1884. 

Rev. L. H. Geschwind assumed charge June 1, 1884. Septem- 
ber 20, 1884, at the semi-annual meeting of the congregation, the 
collectors were ordered to pay over all salary collected to the 
secretary, who should pay the same to the treasurer. At the 
semi-annual meeting April 4, 1885, it was decided that hereafter 
the church building shall not be used for any purposes but those 
for which it may be required by the congregation itself, except 
with the consent of two-thirds of the Joint Council given at a 
meeting formally called. A new Sunday-school library was fur- 
nished. In the Church Record the following was entered : new 
members 9, baptisms 14, marriages 5, burials 5. Rev. L. H. 
Geschwind vacated his pastorate November, 1885. 

Rev. A. R. Steck assumed charge July 4, 1886, and relinquished 
it July 1, 1 89 1. During this pastorate a number of improvements 
were made. A pulpit recess was built by Mr. Howard Melick and 
wife, and the pulpit was re-furnished by Mrs. Catharine Kase. 
The church was re-painted and frescoed. Mr. John H. Kase put in 
a beautiful stained-glass window as a memorial to his father, John 
Kase, and his brother William. Mrs. Samuel Carhart presented 
the church with a baptismal font. A more systematic method 
of giving was introduced. For the first time the Sunday offering 
was received both morning and evening. Envelopes were sent 
out quarterly for the raising of the synodical apportionment, which 
was gradually increased from $75.00 to $190.00 The Church 
Record has the following entered upon it : new members 87, bap- 
tisms 55, marriages n, burials 43. 

Rev. W. E. Fry assumed pastoral duties August 16, 189.1, at 



200 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

the salary received by the two former pastors, $700.00 and parson- 
age. The following improvements were made : a new platform 
built for the choir ; the walk in front of the church and around it 
paved with stone, through the efforts of the King's Daughters ; 
the parsonage painted outside by the congregation, and partly 
papered and painted insi ie by the Woman's Missionary Society. 
The Church Record is as follows : new members 18, baptisms 10, 
marriages 7, burials 18. 

The following are the societies of the church : the Woman's 
Home and Foreign Missionary Society, organized by Mrs. Susan 
Steck in 1887 ; the Children's Mission Band, which in 1892 
erected in Africa a chapel costing $50.00; the King's Daughters, 
organized by Miss Bertha Melick. All of these societies were 
organized during the pastorate of Rev. A. R. Steck. The Young 
People's Christian Endeavor Society, senior and junior Bands, 
were organized under the present pastorate. 

The church has proved itself loyal to the East Pennsylvania 
Synod, to which it has belonged since the pastorate of Rev. P. 
Rizer, and has done well in meeting its apportionment, which for 
the past year was $204.25. The membership is 189. The Sun- 
day-school numbers 90, teachers and scholars. There are two 
prayer-meetings, held on Wednesday evening and Sunday evening 
before service. During the past eighteen years there have been 
union services with the Presbyterian church on Sunday evening — 
services held alternately in each church. There are two preaching 
points, New Village and Good Springs, each of which is supplied 
by the Presbyterian pastor at Stewartsville, the Methodist pastor 
at Bro'adway, and the Lutheran pastor at Stewartsville. There is 
preaching by the Lutheran pastor at each point once in four 
weeks. Services are held every Sunday morning in the Lutheran 
church at Stewartsville. Value of church property, $10,000.00. 
Indebtedness on graveyard, $150.00. The Joint Council is com- 
posed of the following members : elders, Daniel Bloom, Abraham 
Hance ; deacons, Isaac Shipman, Samuel Scott, Robert Hance, 
Howard Melick, John H. Hulshizer ; trustees, C. R. Thompson, 
Robert Stone, John Smith, George Dutt, George Carhart, John 
Lomping, Maurice McFerren ; secretary of church and council, 
Henry L. Frey ; treasurer, Howard Melick. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 201 

XXXIX. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, LANCASTER. 

BY REV. B. F. ALLEMAN, D. D. 

The earliest history of Lutheranism in Lancaster is preserved 
in the records of Trinity church. The pastors of this venerable 
congregation, up to the time of the establishment of St. John's, 
were the following; John Caspar Stoever, 1 736-1 740; John Fred- 
erick Handschuh, 1 748-1 751; John Siegfried Gerock, 1753- 
1767 ; Justus H. C. Helmuth, 1 769-1 780 ; G. Henry Ernst Muhl- 
enberg, 1780-1815 • Christian F. Endress, 1815-1827; John C. 
Baker, 1828-1853. 

The organization of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church 
was partly the outgrowth of a Sabbath-school established in the 
western section of the city, in the spring of 1852, by a number of 
the younger members of Trinity Lutheran church. 

The school opened with twenty-two scholars, under the super- 
intendence of Mr. J. S. Crumbaugh, a graduate of Pennsylvania 
College, and at that time principal of the Lancaster High School, 
and student of theology with Dr. Baker. 

The size of Trinity congregation, the inability to furnish com- 
fortable sittings for all its members at the public worship, the de- 
sire to develop Lutheran interests in growing parts of the city, and 
other considerations, led to the agitation at different times of the 
organization of another Lutheran congregation. 

The first meeting for this purpose of which we have record was 
held April 2, 1853, when those present resolved to constitute 
themselves a nucleus for such an enterprise, and, to give perma- 
nency to their action, at once elected officers, who were to serve 
for six months or until a more complete organization might be 
effected. 

On the 1 8th of May following, one committee was appointed to 
draft a constitution and by-laws, and another to solicit funds for 
the erection of a church edifice. On June 15, on motion of Mr. 
G. M. Zahm, the new organization unanimously adopted the name 
of " St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church." 

By this time Mr. Crumbaugh had been licensed to preach the 
gospel by the Pennsylvania Synod, and, as he had already en- 



202 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

deared himself to those interested in this new enterprise, he was 
chosen as their pastor, and at once entered upon his labors. 

The work of erecting a house of worship was vigorously pushed 
forward, with Messrs. John F. Shroder, Henry Baumgardner and 
G. M. Zahm as the Building Committee. The site chosen was 
the one still occupied by the congregation, at the corner of 
Orange and Arch streets. The first worship was held in Fulton 
Hall, and afterwards, until the completion of the lecture-room, by 
courtesy of the Moravian congregation in their church edifice. 

The corner-stone of the new building was laid with impressive 
ceremonies October 9, 1853, Revs. B. Kurtz, D. D., G. F. Krotel 
and H. Harbaugh, D. D., officiating. 

On March 5, 1854, the lecture-room was opened for service, 
Rev. G. F. Krotel preaching the sermon, and on December 
24, 1854, the entire building, having been completed, was 
solemnly dedicated to the worship of God. On this occasion the 
pastor was assisted by Revs. F. W. Conrad and B. Sadtler. 

The new structure cost about $20,000.00, and was considered 
one of the finest places of worship in the city. Thus equipped with 
a church home, this devout and energetic pastor and his little 
flock, with limited resources and considerable opposition, entered 
upon a series of heroic struggles for permanent existence and 
usefulness. Hitherto the congregation had been in connection 
with the Pennsylvania Synod, but at a meeting held May 29, 
1855, it was resolved that application be made for an honorable 
dismission, with the view of seeking more congenial synodical re- 
lations. 

This application was presented at the next convention of the 
Pennsylvania Synod, at Harrisburg, but it met with determined 
opposition, and a decision was postponed for one year. How- 
ever, at the next meeting of this body, in Lancaster, the request 
was granted, and the congregation united with the Synod of East 
Pennsylvania, at Hughesville, September, 1856. 

While this change was most agreeable to the congregation, and 
won for it new friends, it also intensified the opposition of those 
who had been unfavorable to its organization. At this time the 
outlook was very discouraging. There was the burden of a 
heavy debt, to be borne by a congregation numerically and 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 203 

financially weak ; then the pastor was incapacitated by failing 
health, which necessitated the engagement of an assistant (Rev. 
Lewis Hippee), who served but six months; and, finally, on 
March 19, 1857, the pastor himself resigned. It was thought 
that a change of employment might be beneficial to him, but he 
was a victim of consumption, and died January 13, 1859, beloved 
and lamented by all his people. 

But St. John's had been planted. The tree was small, and 
many of the conditions of its growth and development were un- 
favorable, but it grew, and its thrift and fruitage are due, under 
God's blessing, largely to the faithful husbandmen who have 
cared for it. St. John's has been served by the following pastors : 
Rev. J. S. Crumbaugh, April 2, 1853, to March 19, 1857 ; Rev. 
Lewis Hippee, assistant, October, 1856, to June, 1857 ; Rev. D. 
Steck, January, 1858, to July, 1862 ; Rev. A. C. Wedekind, Jan- 
uary, 1863, t0 September, 1865 ; Rev. W. V. Gotwald, July, 1866, 
to June, 1869 ; Rev. B. C. Suesserott, January, 1870, to January, 
1876 ; Rev. R. W. Hufford, May, 1876, to November, 1880 ; Rev. 
S. Stall, February, 1881, to May, 1887 ; Rev. B. F. Alleman, June, 
1887, to the present time. 

During the ministry of Mr. Steck, the condition of the con- 
gregation was much improved. His eloquent preaching drew 
large audiences, the number of communicants was almost doubled, 
and the Sabbath- school became the largest, save one, in the city. 
In one year (i860) eighty-two persons were admitted to church 
fellowship, which increased the membership to two hundred and 
fifteen. "Then already," we are informed, "the congregation 
had risen, in point of influence and Christian activity, to a posi- 
tion rivaling the oldest religious organizations of the community." 

Although otherwise prosperous, the financial condition of St. 
John's was (1863) very depressing. The original debt had not 
only not decreased, but by a " sad misfortune," and unexpectedly 
to the congregation, it had largely increased — to more than 
$6,000.00. 

In this respect the field was by no means inviting to Mr. Wede- 
kind. But he pursued an aggressive ministry, stimulated all de- 
partments of the church's activity, and, while he had the satisfac- 
tion of realizing an advance in spiritual matters, he could also 



204 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

rejoice in the great achievement of liquidating the entire in- 
debtedness of the congregation. " Owe no man anything," was 
his motto, and the irrepressible Ladies' Aid Society his chief 
human helper. 

As with other pastors of St. John's, Mr. Gotwald's earnest ef- 
forts were blessed with seasons of gracious revival. The " church 
grew and multiplied." There was revival in worship, and in 
work. As never before the benevolence of the congregation was 
developed. In 1868 (Jubilee year) $4,000.00 were contributed 
for all purposes. Of this sum, $2,100.00 were devoted to benevo- 
lence, $400.00 being given to the cause of beneficiary education 
alone. At the suggestion of Mr. Gotwald, a Sabbath-school was 
organized in the northwestern part of the city. The school pros- 
pered, and after his death (June 9, 1869,) the congregation built 
for it a chapel to his memory, which was dedicated January 30, 
1870. The school was named "Gotwald Memorial Mission," has 
been under the superintendence of Mr. John H. Kline for many 
years, and numbers 150 scholars and teachers. 

The pastorate of Mr. Suesserott was characterized by practical 
work. The city was districted, and committees were appointed 
to aid the pastor in the spiritual care of the people. The " Belle- 
fonte System " for benevolent work was introduced, and this 
doubled the contributions the first year of its trial. Special atten- 
tion was given to beneficiary education, one young man being 
supported by the congregation alone for a season. The discipline 
of the church was faithfully enforced, special attention was given 
to the poor, and the church edifice was repaired and thoroughly 
renovated. Mr. Suesserott died January, 1867. 

Owing to the protracted illness and death of his predecessor, 
Mr. Hufford found a field requiring earnest work. Vigorous 
effort, however, soon rallied the people, and the church pros- 
pered. A debt of $1500.00 was removed, various improvements 
were made in the lecture and infant school-rooms, and about the 
church building externally. One hundred and three were added 
to the membership, and the finances of the church were im- 
proved. As, by the action of the council, the penny collections 
were made the source of benevolent funds, no progress was made 
in that direction. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 205 

One of the most significant events in this period of St. John's 
history, was the adoption of The Order of Worship provided by 
the General Synod. Hitherto, the congregation had been 
strongly an ti- liturgical, and the change at first threatened serious 
results. But since that time the greater part of the Service has 
been used, and to-day the congregation holds a conservative 
position with regard to worship. 

The succeeding pastor, Mr. Stall, having given considerable at- 
tention to the subject of church finances, and to methods of 
church work, endeavored to bring his people to more systematic 
effort, and to greater liberality in their work. As a result of 
these efforts the sum of $3177.60 for all purposes was reached in 
a single year, while the amount contributed to benevolence was 
about $800.00. 

Improvements were made in the church property at an ex- 
pense of $1800.00, the Sabbath- school contributed two-thirds of 
the expenses of a beneficiary student for a time, and a parsonage 
was purchased which cost $5000.00. Two thousand dollars were 
paid on this purchase, the Ladies' Aid Society contributing one- 
half of that amount. 

A Young People's Society, and a Boys' Society were organized. 
Sunday funerals were abolished, and an effort was made to estab- 
lish a new congregation at Gotwald Memorial Mission. 

Under the present pastorate the debt on the parsonage has 
been removed, and so has the old church building. On account 
of an unmathematically- designed roof, the walls were bowed, and 
the structure otherwise injured. It was inspected, condemned, 
and torn down. The old building is gone, but not its hallowed 
memories, nor the spirit of the fathers who reared it. There 
stands to-day on the same spot a sanctuary which bespeaks the 
homage and faith of our people. The corner-stone was laid 
September 7, 1890, by Rev. W. H. Dunbar, president of Synod, 
assisted by Revs. C. L. Fry and Dr. J. Max Hark. 

On Sabbath, October 4, 1891, the beautiful chapel was conse- 
crated by Rev. Dr. R. W. Hufford, then president of synod, as- 
sisted by Drs. H. W. McKnight, Revs. W. H. Dunbar, S. Stall 
and H. H. Weber. 

St. John's has long since taken a prominent position among her 



206 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



sister churches in the East Pennsylvania Synod. She has been 
active in all the benevolent operations of the church. She has 
sent at least five sons, and as many daughters, into the ministry. 
She entertained the General Synod once, and the district synod 
four times. She has lost none of her prestige in the community. 
She has three hundred and sixty members, four hundred scholars 




ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, LANCASTER, PA. 



and teachers in her Sabbath-schools, and is well organized for her 
work. She has a nourishing Young People's Society of Christian 
Endeavor numbering one hundred and four members, an efficient 
Ladies' Aid Society, and an active Woman's Home and Foreign 
Missionary Society. Recently death has dealt harshly with her, 
financial misfortune has crippled her, and her temple is not yet 
finished. But she is not disheartened. She looks back over the 
history of the past, and thanks God. She looks forward with the 
spirit of her fathers, and takes courage. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 207 

XL. SEVENTH STREET LEBANON CHARGE, 
SEVENTH STREET AND MT. ZION. 

BY REV. P. C. CROLL. 

i. Seventh Street Church, Lebanon. 

This is a daughter of Zion Lutheran church of this city. All 
her original members were former members of that congregation. 
When, in 1866, the mother church decided to discontinue the 
use of the German language in her public services, a number of 
her older members, speaking this tongue and preferring its use in 
public worship, peaceably withdrew, and, with the consent and 
direction of the church council, made efforts to establish a Ger- 
man mission in the then extreme northern portion of the city. 
Accordingly an organization was effected on May 2, of the same 
year. The meeting for organization was held at the house of Mr. 
Geo. Barry, where a constitution was adopted, and a pastor elected 
in the person of Rev. J. M. Deitzler. At first the name proposed 
by the mother church was adopted, viz., "The German Mission 
of Zion's Church of Lebanon." Later, this name was changed to 
" Zion's German Church," and, still later, during the pastorate of 
Rev. Stine and at its incorporation, to that of " Seventh Street 
Lutheran Church." 

For a season after its founding this Mission worshiped in the 
house where the enterprise was born, which, because it was used 
for worship by other struggling church societies, received the 
name of the "Union Church," and was often called the "Union 
House of Prayer." 

The first officers were the following : trustee, Christian How- 
erter ; elders, Henry Roland and George Patschke ; deacons, 
George Garte, Conrad Roller, Benjamin F. Harpel and Peter 
Leslie. 

In 1867 a neat frame church building was erected on the cor- 
ner of Seventh and Weidman streets, where the congregation had 
secured a large and valuable lot. To meet urgent demands in the 
liquidation of the church debt, all this valuable patch of ground, 
save the small corner now occupied by the church building, was 
gradually, but unduly and unwisely, disposed of in building lots. 

The pastor, serving a large country charge, was at first enabled 



208 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



to preach but once in four weeks ; later, once in two weeks ; and 
during the last years of his pastorate, once every Sabbath. This, 
and the exclusive use of the German language for a long 
period, go far in explaining the comparative slowness of pro- 
gress during the first decade and more of the congregation's his- 
tory. Only when the English language was introduced and 
proper care was given to the young people, and, finally, when a 
pastor settled among this flock, did the congregation manifest a 
healthy and substantial growth in numbers. 

In 1882 this church, under the direction and by the help of the 
Lebanon Conference, and by the union with it of a small country 




SEVENTH STREET EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, LEBANON, PA. 

church at Mt. Zion, Lebanon county — hitherto a part of another 
pastorate — became the centre of a separate pastoral charge, with 
the pastor's residence here. Rev. Deitzler accordingly resigned 
this congregation, and in the spring of 1883 Rev. M. H. Stine, 
of Norwich, Conn., was called as the second pastor. He assumed 
charge May 1 of the same year. During his pastorate of nine 
years great progress was made. The charge became self-sustain- 
ing, after two or three years' help by the Lebanon Confer- 
ence. A brick parsonage was built the first year at a cost of 
$2,700.00. The Sunday-school rapidly increased in numbers and 
manifested a spirit of work. In 1885 an infant-school room was 
attached to the rear of the church, and the following year a pipe 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 209 

organ was purchased for use in public worship. In 1888 the old 
church was replaced by a larger and finer church building of 
brick — having a commodious and beautiful audience chamber 
capable of seating six hundred people, a Sunday-school room, and 
separate apartments for the infants, the library, and the pastor's 
study. The lower floors were dedicated in December of the same 
year, and the church proper on September 15, 1889. The struc- 
ture was completed at a cost of about $12,000.00, including furn- 
ishings, frescoing, and the heating of church and parsonage by 
steam. Of this amount, the present indebtedness on the entire 
property is about $3,400.00. 

The growth of the membership has been commensurate with 
the outward improvements. From a communicant membership 
of fifty- seven in 1867, and of about ninety in 1882, it has steadily 
grown to about two hundred and seventy-five at the present time, 
and the Sunday-school to over three hundred. 

In June, 1892, Rev. Stine resigned the charge to accept a call 
from our church at Los Angeles, Cal., and the congregation, in 
August of the same year, elected Rev. P. C. Croll, of Schuylkill 
Haven, Pa., as his successor, who assumed charge October 1, 
1892. 

At present more than half the public services are conducted in 
English, and, out of twenty classes in the Sunday-school, but one 
is taught in German. The church is well organized, having all 
the usual working and devotional societies, is bright with hope, 
and fresh with the vigor of a young life, kept steady by its admix- 
ture with age and experience. 

2. Mt. Zion Church. 

This church, located about five miles north of Lebanon, and 
since 1883 a part of the Seventh Street Lutheran pastorate, came 
into being in 1854 under the following circumstances : When in 
the previous year the "Ziegel's" Lutheran church of this place — 
which had existed for the previous two generations as an exclu- 
sively Lutheran congregation, belonging synodically to the Minis- 
terium of Pennsylvania and Adjacent States — proposed the 
re-building of their edifice, the Reformed people living in this 
neighborhood, and by marriage closely related to this flock, who 



2IO EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

had previously enjoyed occasional privileges of conducting wor- 
ship here, proposed to contribute their quota towards the new 
building, provided equal rights should be deeded them to the 
property. This offer the Lutherans refused. In consequence, 
the Reformed, and such Lutherans as were joined with them by 
marriage or sympathy with the new project, resolved to build a 
new and union church within the shadow of the old, with equal 
rights to both parties. The enterprise succeeded, and in 1853 and 
1854 a plain brick church was erected on an eminence at the edge 
of the village, costing, besides much gratuitous labor, several thous- 
and dollars. It is known as "Zion's Union Church of Mt. Zion." 

Among the principal instigators in its erection were Samuel 
Goshert (after whom the village is commonly called) and Henry 
Hornish — both Reformed members, the former of whom donated 
enough land for church-plot and burial purposes. The building 
committee consisted of Samuel Goshert, Henry Hornish and 
Samuel Horn, on the Reformed side, and John Phillips, Henry 
Phillippy and John Olewein, on the Lutheran side. 

The Lutheran congregation has from the beginning held its 
membership with the East Pennsylvania Synod, and has consti- 
tuted a part of four different pastoral charges, viz. : Womelsdorf, 
Annville, Myerstown and Seventh Street, Lebanon. Its pastors 
have been Revs. J. M. Deitzler, Uriel Graves, G. J. Martz, W* I. 
Cutter, E. Lenhart, P. C. Croll, M. H. Stine, and now again P. C. 
Croll. 

The Reformed pastors have been Drs. Thos. H. Leinbach and 
C. H. Leinbach, and Rev. Welker. Since 1891 it has constituted 
a part of a new charge in the Reformed Church, which is at pres- 
ent without a pastor. 

The Lutheran membership, which has always been the weaker, 
has been varying from forty to ninety communicants. At the last 
celebration of the Lord's Supper seventy-four communed. The 
people are agricultural in their pursuits, devout and church-loving. 
In worship the German language is used, but a Union Sunday- 
school conducts all its exercises in English. 

The church is built after the model of country churches, with 
galleries on three sides, and a pipe-organ at the end, opposite the 
pulpit. The building is in a good state of repair and is free from 
debt. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 211 

XLI. ZION'S CHARGE, ASHLAND, SCHUYLKILL CO. 
ZION'S, ASHLAND, AND HUNTERSVILLE. 

BY REV. G. W. FR1TSCH. 

I. Zion's Church, Ashland. 

This church was organized by Rev. Jacob J. Weber, who was 
born at Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to America in 1847. 
In 1857 the East Pennsylvania Synod sent him as missionary to 
Ashland, where, June 14, he preached his first sermon. Four 
days later he organized Zion's with 125 members. In connection 
with this church he served for some years the congregation at 
Mahanoy City (General Synod), and those at Mahantongo, Tief 
Creek and Ringtown, belonging to the Synod of Pennsylvania. 

The services of Zion's were held in the stone school-house of 
Ashland until i860. The first class of catechumens was con- 
firmed in the English Methodist church building. In i860 a 
small church was put up on the corner of 14th and Market streets. 
The corner-stone of this church was laid by Dr. C. A. Hay, of 
Harrisburg, and Dr. A. C. Wedekind, of Lebanon. For this 
church Pastor Weber collected money in the congregations of 
the brethren Hay, Wedekind, Strube, Henry and Link, where 
he was kindly received and assisted. 

In 1869 this building was removed and the present commo- 
dious church erected. The corner-stone of this church was laid 
October 10, 1869, on which occasion the Revs. Reuben Weiser of 
Mahanoy City, G. A. Hinterleitner of Pottsville, H. C. Grossman, of 
Port Carbon, and the pastor, were present. The dedication of this 
church took place May 29, 1870. Dr. Wedekind, of New York, 
and Rev. Sanner, of Tremont, officiated. For this building no 
money was collected from others. In 1887 a large steeple and a 
bell were added, the Sunday-school room enlarged, stained win- 
dows put in the church, and the same papered. The Sunday- 
school of this congregation was organized in the year i860 with 
eight members. Mr. Wm. Burmeister was its first superintendent, 
filling that office until 1878, when Mr. F. E. Heintze was elected, 
who is still the efficient superintendent of the school, which now 
numbers about 300. 



2 12 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Rev. Weber served this church up to 1891 (a period of thirty- 
four years), when, on account of great feebleness, he felt com- 
pelled to lay down his work. A unanimous call was extended to 
Rev. G. W. Fritsch, then serving the Lyons charge, who entered 
this field with his family April 14, 1891. He was installed pastor 
of the congregation by Rev. P. C. Croll, of Schuylkill Haven, who 
preached in the German language to a large and appreciating 
audience. 

Until the present pastor was called, all the services were con- 
ducted in the German language. But in view of the young 
of the church, who were rapidly becoming anglicised, and in view 
of some losses on this account, the church had decided that the 
new pastor should preach German in the morning and English in 
the evening of every Sabbath. Although the introduction of 
English was a wise and necessary step, it was nevertheless reluct- 
antly taken by not a few. 

It is to be remarked in this connection that nearly all the 
parents of ^ion's came from Germany, and from the province of 
Pomerania. They came to Ashland to work in the coal mines. 
Many families were helped over the ocean by their relatives. 
This occurs even yet occasionally. At present, however, the work 
and wages are rather poor and discouraging, the men often being 
allowed to work only three days a week, and having a certain 
percentage deducted even from that. Many say they cannot now 
live and pay as they go. A goodly number of this church own 
their plain houses, having paid for them when times were more 
favorable. Some who formerly worked in the mines are now suc- 
cessful business men. 

This congregation not having a parsonage when Rev. Fritsch 
took charge of it (Rev. Weber living in a house of his own), it 
decided within less than four months to erect one back of the 
church. A beautiful frame house, with modern improvements, was 
ready to be occupied by the following February, when the happy 
and grateful pastor- family took possession. The ground belong- 
ing to the church, the building was put up at a cost of $2,500.00, 
leaving a present indebtedness, on account of scant earnings, etc., 
of about $1,500.00. The membership of this church at present 
is easily 500, when those are looked upon as members who count 
themselves as such and think they have a right to be so judged. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 213 

The congregation has now a general prayer-meeting, conducted 
every Wednesday evening in both languages, the German pre- 
ponderating. It is fairly well attended. Prayers are offered by 
both sexes. 

In the spring of 1892 a Society of Christian Endeavor was or- 
ganized by the pastor, which is conducted in the English language, 
with the privilege given to those who wish it, to use the German. 
This society has so far been quite successful and a great encour- 
agement to the pastor. It has a membership of over fifty at 
present. 

A Children's Mission Band has also been organized by the pas- 
tor's wife, who is assisted by several faithful ladies of the church. 
This band is made up of little girls who come together every Satur- 
day. Sewing is also taught, and the articles made are sold in town. 
To this mission band meeting, which was something new in its 
way, children from all the different Protestant churches in town 
are coming, showing much interest and delight in its operation. 

The pastor also meets the little boys, from six years up to the 
catechetical class, every Saturday from ten to eleven a. m. These 
boys are known by the name of Little Soldiers. 

The congregation has also a sewing circle, organized in 1890. 
This faithful band of workers has furnished the church with a 
beautiful altar set. For benevolence, Zion's has raised this year 
(1892) $204.11. 

The salary, paid in monthly installments, is $750.00 and parson- 
age, in addition to a small amount received from the congrega- 
tion at Huntersville. 

Finally, it may be said of this church that, while in many 
respects it is not up to many of our General Synod churches, it 
is however making progress, and the pastor has reason to feel en- 
couraged as well as discouraged in his work. 

2. Huntersville. 

In 1 89 1 Rev. G. W. Fritsch, pastor of Zion's church, of Ash- 
land, organized a small congregation in the village of Huntersville, 
a short distance west of Ashland, which for the present meets in 
the public school-house. Divine service is held every three 
weeks. This little flock contributed $60.00 towards the support 
of the pastor during the last year. 



214 EA ST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

XLIL ST. JAMES' CHURCH, CHALFONT, BUCKS CO. 

BY REV. GEORGE SILL. 

St. James' Lutheran Church was organized, and a commodious 
structure for divine worship built, in the year 1857, under the 
supervision of Rev. John W. Hassler, then pastor of St. Peter's 
Lutheran church, North Wales, and St. John's Lutheran church, 
Centre Square, Montgomery county. There were about fifteen 
charter members, among whom were the following : Martin Eck- 
hart, George Delp, David Barnett, Charles Eckhart, William Bid- 
die and Samuel Delp. 

Rev. Hassler served this church as pastor to the year 1863, 
when he became chaplain of the 112th Regiment, Pa. Volunteers. 

Rev. Peter M. Rightmyer became his successor in the same year, 
and served this charge four years. At his resignation, St. Peter's 
and St. John's united in calling a pastor, and so leaving St. James 
without a minister to break unto them the bread of life and ad- 
minister the holy sacraments. The congregation was too weak 
in membership to support a minister by itself, and so called Rev. 
G. M. Lazarus, of Quakertown, to supply it with the means of 
grace for a time indefinite. This arrangement continued from 
1869 till 1871. 

Rev. C. Pitman Whitecar was elected pastor February 9, 187 1, 
and installed May 21 of the same year, serving the church "one 
year, nine months and seven days." 

Rev. R. F. Kingsley became successor to Rev. Whitecar, Janu- 
ary 1, 1874, and resigned September 22 of the same year. Rev. 
H. M. Bickel was called to the pastorate some time during the 
year 1874, and served the charge till autumn, 1875. 

A certain Mr. Hertzel, professing to be a minister of the 
Reformed church, offered his service as supply until such time as 
the church could get a regular Lutheran pastor, which offer was 
accepted by the members of the church. His stay was two years, 
viz., 1876 and 1877, during which time seeds of discord and 
strife were sown which have proved a great hindrance to the 
prosperity of the church. 

Rev. B. B. Collins received and accepted a call from St. James' 
church December 30, 1877. After three years and nine months 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 215 

of faithful labor among these people, he resigned the charge on 
October 2, 1881. 

Rev. Wm. S. Delp supplied the church with the means of grace 
for some months after Rev. Collins resigned and vacated the 
charge. 

Rev. J. A. Hackenberg accepted a call July, 1882, and served 
till March, 1883. 

Rev. E. S. Morell commenced his labors here in 1883, which 
continued until July 30, 1888, when he resigned the charge. 

Shortly after Rev. Morell vacated the church, Rev. Jno. R. Wil- 
liams served as a supply for some months, the exact time not be- 
ing recorded. On his departure, the Philadelphia Conference of 
the East Pennsylvania Synod made arrangement with Rev. H. M. 
Bickel to supply the charge until such time as they could see 
their way clear to call a pastor. May 11, 1890, a call was ex- 
tended to and accepted by Rev. George Sill, who is still serving 
as pastor. 

One of its members has gone out of this church into the minis- 
try, Rev. William S. Delp. 

The church building is a very substantial one of stone. There 
remains upon it a debt of four hundred dollars. The pastor's sal- 
ary is three hundred dollars per annum. 

The number of members is variously estimated, from forty to 
sixty. They are widely scattered, some very remote from the 
place of worship, so that it is not possible for them to attend ser- 
vices. Thus isolated, they lose interest in and love for the church 
and her institutions, and their influence and beneficence are in 
a great measure lost to the cause of Christ. The number of ac- 
tive, communicant, and contributing members may be put down 
at from thirty to thirty-five. 



XLIII. ST. JAMES' CHURCH, ASHLAND, SCHUYL- 
KILL COUNTY. 

BY REV. W. M. B. GLANDING. 

This congregation was organized by Rev. W. L. Heisler. He 
had been engaged in business at Minersville, Pa. The Lebanon 
Conference, at its meeting in Harrisburg in March, 1858, re- 



2l6 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



quested him to visit Ashland, Pa., look after some English Luth- 
eran families which had moved there, and hold prayer-meetings 
among them. He arrived April n of that year, and conducted 
religious services in a frame school-house on the corner of Fifth 
and Walnut streets. A Lutheran Sunday-school was organized 
May 2, with twenty-seven scholars and nine teachers, at the 
home of Abel G. Swift, who was the first superintendent. 










ST. JAMES' EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ASHLAND, PA. 

The congregation itself was organized with fourteen members 
June 1 6. The first Church Council consisted of Geo. H. Helfrich, 
elder, and J. Logan, deacon. On December 6, 1859, the court 
granted the petition for a charter of incorporation with the legal 
name of " English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ashland." 
This church from its beginning has held all its services in the 
English language. 

Rev. Heisler, having received " ad interim " license from Rev. 
A. C. Wedekind, D. D., President of East Pennsylvania Synod, 
and having prosecuted his theological studies privately, was 
licensed by the Synod in the fall of 1858. He also visited 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 217 

Ringtown and Miller's school-house in Catawissa Valley, Gordon, 
Mt. Carmel and Locust Dale, respectively from three to twelve 
miles distant. From these services held in school- houses several 
nourishing congregations have resulted. The membership of the 
Ashland congregation, increased to 67. 

In June, 1859, three lots were purchased for $550.00 on the 
corner of Ninth. and Market streets. Here was erected a frame 
church building of one room at the cost of $1500.00, which was 
dedicated November 6, 1859. Rev. Heisler resigned December 
29, 1 86 1, having served about three and one-half years. 

The second pastor was Rev. F. A. Barnitz, who labored just 
two years, from February 1, 1862, to February 1, 1864. The 
steeple was built and the bell was bought. The debt on the 
church lot was paid. Mt. Carmel and Ringtown were then con- 
nected with this pastorate. 

The third pastor was Rev. James R. Sikes. His services 
lasted from May 1, 1864 to November 1, 1867. On September 
25, 1864, the council resolved that it would be better for the 
pastor not to supply the Mt. Carmel church. A Sunday-school 
was sustained at Locust Dale. On December 25, 1864, the 
council passed a motion that the pastor recommend to the con- 
gregation at the next congregational meeting the propriety of 
adopting semi-monthly experience meetings. This action was 
ratified. 

One of the marked features of this pastorate was the exercise 
of the right of discipline. Thirteen members were excommuni- 
cated and a number were suspended. A committee was appointed 
to admonish the " lukewarm members." Excessive use of intoxi- 
cating liquors, dancing, and attendance at a circus, were specially 
prohibited. Very positive action was taken towards those mem- 
bers who indulged in these offences. 

The fourth pastor was Rev. S. Curtis. He came about February 
15, 1868, and remained two and a half years. The basement of 
the church was built. The infant Sunday-school was started by 
Mrs. Curtis in a carpenter shop on Middle street above Eighth. 

The fifth pastor was Rev. J. A. Hackenberg, who began his 
ministrations April 1, 187 t, and ended them May 1, 1875. Dur- 
ing the summer of 187 1 the parsonage was erected, at a cost of 



2l8 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

$4,000.00, and was occupied in December of the same year. 
Religious services were held in Gordon, where a Lutheran con- 
gregation soon afterwards was organized. 

The sixth pastor was Rev. O. D. S. Marcley. His pastorate 
began August 15, 1875, and terminated March 1, 1878. 

During the year 1876, $2,700.00 of the debt was paid. In the 
winter of the same year the Lutheran congregation of Gordon was 
organized with 33 members. These two churches then formed 
the English Ashland pastorate. The Mt. Carmel congregation 
was served only the one year before the departure of Rev. Marcley. 

The seventh pastor was Rev. D. E. Rupley, who had just been 
ordained by the Susquehanna Synod. He began his labors about 
July 1878, and remained until May 1, 1879. 

The eighth pastor was Rev. J. H. Weber, from Schoharie Co., 
N. Y. He served from November 1, 1879, t0 September 1, 1887. 

In June 1881, a successful effort was made to remove a debt 
of $1,200.00 on the parsonage. The Young People's Christian 
Association was organized March 9, 1883. This has been very 
helpful to the material and benevolent interests of the church. It 
will soon celebrate its tenth anniversary. 

On June 10, 1883, it was resolved to build a new church. On 
Sabbath, June 17, at the celebration of the 25th anniversary of 
the congregation, this movement was inaugurated, when the sum 
of $3,519.00 was promised. The corner-stone was laid on June 
22, 1884. The basement was occupied on November 2. The 
church was dedicated January 18, 1885. The cost of the build- 
ing, with windows, organ and furniture, was $10,133.93. On No- 
vember 4, 1883, the council instructed that the proper legal 
action be taken for changing the charter name to " St. James'' 
Lutheran Church" 

On March 1, 1886, the Gordon congregation, which had so 
grown in membership and ability that it could support a minister, 
withdrew from this pastorate. The Ashland congregation at once 
increased the salary to the amount before the division. 

The ninth pastor was Rev. E. Felton. He served from Octo- 
ber 16, 1887, to September 1, 1889. The. basement of the 
church was repaired and re-seated in the early part of 1889. 

The tenth pastor is Rev. W. M. B. Glanding, who had lately 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 2 1 9 

been Professor of Mathematics and Natural Science in Midland 
College, Atchison, Kansas. He began his labors on October i, 
1889, and is still serving the congregation. 

On February 10, 1890, the Young People's Society of Christian 
Endeavor was formed as an adjunct of the Young People's Chris- 
tian Association. This Society was reorganized on October 13, 
1892, as a separate association. 

The Woman's Missionary Society, after a silence of ten years, 
was revived on February 14, 1890. 

A debt of $1,250.00 has been removed. On September 11, 
1892, the pastor burnt, in the presence of the congregation, all 
the bonds, mortgages and notes against the church. 

This congregation has been built up under the influence of the 
evangelistic system. The "revival service" has been employed 
in connection with the Lutheran method of catechisation. 

The special organizations have proven very serviceable to this 
church. The Ladies' Aid Society began in Rev. Heisler's pastor- 
ate. It has contributed to the material interests of the church 
about $4,400.00. 

Two young men of the church are at the institutions of learning 
in preparation for the Gospel ministry. The Young People's 
Christian Association is educating a native at Guntur, India. 

The approximate amount of money contributed in all for gen- 
eral expenses, real estate and buildings, is $51,000.00. The esti- 
mated value of the property at present is $20,000.00. The mem- 
bership increased from 14 in 1858 to 228 in 1892. 

The accessions have been 749, and the losses 521. 

The benevolent contributions have increased from $30.66 in 
1870 to $284.32 in 1892. 

The Sunday-school has advanced from 34 to 250 members. 
The superintendents of the Sunday-school were the following : 
Abel G. Swift, Jeremiah Logan, Isaac I. Wagner, Henry S. Boner, 
Theo. F. Barron and Charles F. Russell, the latter still serving. 

The Home Missionary Board gave this church aid for a few 
years in the early part of its existence. 

This history closes November 1, 1892, covering a period of 
thirty-four years and four and a half months. 



2 20 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

XLIV. ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, SCHUYLKILL HAVEN. 

BY REVS. P. C. CROLL AND J. A. SINGMASTER. 

The mother of St. Matthew's Lutheran church is the Jerusalem 
church on the turnpike, known for many years as the old " White 
Church," a name no longer applicable to the present modern 
brick edifice. This church was one of the very oldest in the 
county. Its early pastors were Revs. George Mennig, 182 1- 
1836; Wm. G. Mennig, 1S36-1851 ; Frederick Waltz, 1852- 
1854; Julius Erhart, 1854-1865. The original St. Matthew's 
congregation, however, did not emanate directly from the 
"White Church." On account of inconvenience of location and 
insufficient accommodations, together with other reasons, a union 
congregation of Lutherans and Reformed determined to leave the 
old church and found another in town. They accomplished their 
design in the erection of St. Paul's church, now St. Ambrose 
Roman Catholic church. Before 1851 there had been but little 
English preaching in the Lutheran church, but then Rev. Daniel 
Steck, the English Lutheran pastor at Pottsville, began to hold 
services in St. Paul's every two or four weeks in the afternoon. 
The adherents of Mr. Steck had and claimed no right to the. 
possession or use of the church building, enjoying the privilege 
of its use only with the consent of the regular pastor, Rev. W. 
G. Mennig, and his people. During Rev. Steck's ministry here 
there was no regular or permanent organization of the English 
congregation. There were, however, about a score of persons 
who considered themselves identified with this movement. 

St. Paul's church, after the departure of Revs. Mennig and 
Steck, began to decline. Coldness and discord finally issued in 
dismemberment and the enforced sale of the edifice, at one-third 
its cost and about one-fourth its value, to the Schuylkill Haven 
School Board. The Board, finding it ill-adapted for school pur- 
poses, finally disposed of it at an advance to the Roman 
Catholics. 

During Dr. Steck's pastorate there were several extensive re- 
vivals of religion. His ministry closed here in 1857. For a year 
following there was no regular English preaching. In the minutes 
of the East Pennsylvania Synod, of 1858, we find : 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



221 



" Resolved, That we recommend Bro. Eli Huber to the promis- 
ing field of Schuylkill Haven." 

Accordingly, on October 17, 1858, Rev. Eli Huber took charge 
as the first pastor. He found twenty-nine persons ready to enter 
into a permanent organization. After several futile efforts to re- 
unite the German and English interests by preaching in both 
languages, the English members withdrew from St. Paul's, leaving 
it to its impending fate. Of the twenty-nine, whose names are 
not all remembered now, Andrew Keefer was most prominent. 
Dr. Steck said of him : " He, more than any other, was the father 




ST. MATTHEW'S ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH, SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, PA. 

of the English movement." His varied ability, extensive experi- 
ence, and ardent love for the church, fitted him for leadership 
and success. During the summer of 1859, the lot upon which 
the church stands was purchased for $500.00. The contract was 
signed on June 20 by Messrs. A. Keefer, Samuel Haak, John 
Worts and C. H. Dengler. The corner-stone was laid, August 
17, by the pastor and Dr. Wedekind, of Lebanon; and the 
church was dedicated in February, i860, the sermon being 
preached by Rev. E. W. Hutter, of Philadelphia. 



2 22 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

The congregation passed through great straits in paying for the 
property. Weak and poor, they labored against odds. Several 
hundred dollars were contributed by churches at Easton and 
Greencastle. Finally, the Board of Church Extension came to 
the rescue with a loan of $500.00, which, after several years, was 
repaid in full. 

At the close of the first year, there were 50 members, 62 Sunday- 
school scholars, and $300.00 paid as pastor's salary. At the close 
of the second year there were 100 members, 102 Sunday-school 
scholars, and $500.00 paid as salary. 

Rev. Huber's ministry closed December 4, i860, he having 
accepted a call to Danville. Rev. P. Willard succeeded, taking 
charge April 27, 1861. At the close of his third year there were 
94 members and 150 scholars. The salary was probably $600.00, 
of which the Home Mission Board contributed $100.00 in 1863, 
and $58.50 in 1864. Rev. Huber resigned in March, 1864. 

On April 25, 1864, Rev. J. B. Keller, of the Theological Sem- 
inary, received a call, which he subsequently declined. 

Rev. G. P. Weaver took charge August 1, 1864. He repre- 
sented the church before Synod as small, composed principally of 
females, and unable to support a pastor without missionary aid, 
the membership being 80, and school numbering 140. He re- 
ceived about $100.00 per annum from the Home Mission Board. 
He left abruptly in April, 1866. 

The fourth pastor, Rev. A. Yeiser, was elected May 14, 1866. 
He accepted the call, but completed his studies at Gettysburg be- 
fore assuming full charge. He entered upon his work August 
19. From his sixth anniversary sermon we learn that $10,390.00 
were contributed during that time for all purposes, including the 
re-modeling of the church at an expense of $3,250.00. From 
other sources we learn that during the four subsequent years of his 
ministry about $4,000.00 were raised, making a total of about 
$14,000.00 in ten years. He reported 64 members the first year, 
added 232 new members, and reported 240 members at the close 
of his ministry. The salary was never large, being $600.00 the 
greater part of the time and $720.00 the remainder. 

Under Rev. Yeiser's administration the church became thor- 
oughly established and made great progress in various ways. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 223 

" He died in the city of Philadelphia while under medical treat- 
ment, February 29, 1876, in the full triumph of that same faith in 
which he had lived." For several months preceding Rev. Yeiser's 
death, Rev. J. B. Anthony acted as his assistant. He entered 
upon his duties December 1, 1875, and supplied the pulpit for 
six months, to June, 1876. After Rev. Yeiser's decease the con- 
gregation elected Rev. J. A. Singmaster, still at the Seminary. 
April 19, 1876. From July 1 to September 1, Mr. F. W. Staley, 
a theological student, acted as supply. 

Rev. J. A. Singmaster took charge September 1, 1876. During 
his ministry the church enjoyed several refreshing revivals. In spite 
of a great financial crisis, the material prosperity of the congregation 
advanced considerably. A commodious and elegant parsonage was 
erected, and gas was introduced into the church, as well as minor 
improvements made, during his administration. After a pastorate 
of six years, two and a half months, he accepted a call from the 
Lyons charge, his resignation going into effect November 13. 
1882. 

The following statistics cover the term of this administration. 
and represent the numerical strength at its close : 

Infant baptisms, no: additions to membership, 103: losses, 
70 : number of communicants, 201 : strength of Sunday-school,. 
236: contributions by Sunday-school, 81,367.86: all charitable 
and benevolent contributions, 81,846.00; local expenses, Sn.- 
311.00 : total, $13,157.00. 

Rev. P. C. Croll took charge December 1, 1882. During his 
pastorate the church grew steadily in numerical and financial 
strength. Over two hundred souls were added to the member- 
ship, and the period was marked by great activity and general 
peace. A remaining debt on the parsonage was liquidated, con- 
siderable improvement made to the grounds, and the church 
wholly re-built. The grand total of over S 2 6.000.00 of money 
was collected in this period for all purp ses. This pastoral rela- 
tion was severed, after nearly ten years of successful work, Octo- 
ber 1, 1892. The pastor removed to Lebanon, Pa., whither he 
was called by the Seventh Street Lutheran church. Statistics at 
close of administration, and covering its term, are as follows : 

Infant baptisms, 170: additions to membership, 209: losses,. 



224 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

by death and removal, 186 ; number of communicants, 224; 
strength of Sunday-school, 218; contributions by Sunday-school, 
$2,728.35 ; all charitable and benevolent contributions, $3,129.43 ; 
local expenses, $23,038.39; total, $26,167.82. 



XLV. MESSIAH (FORSTER STREET) CHURCH, 
HARRISBURG. 

BY PROF. L. O. FOOSE. 

Messiah Lutheran church, of Harrisburg, Pa., formerly the 
Second English Evangelical Lutheran church, grew out of a mis- 
sion Sunday-school, and its origin can best be reached by tracing 
the rise and development of this school. 

On January 11, 1858, the project of establishing a mission 
Sunday-school in the upper end of (the then borough of) Harris- 
burg was brought before the Sunday-school association of Zion 
church by Mr. Wm. Parkhill, and a committee was appointed to 
inquire into the expediency of the movement, with instructions to 
organize a school immediately if found to be advisable. On Feb- 
ruary 1, following, the matter was brought to the notice of the 
vestry of the church. This body regarded the movement with 
much favor, and the hope was expressed that the school could be 
so located, if possible, as to attract the population from both sides 
of Capitol Hill. The hope was also expressed that it would serve 
as a nucleus for another church, the need of which was becoming 
more and more apparent. On February 8, 1859, one week later, 
the Association of Zion School was informed by the committee 
that a school had been opened in a rented building at the corner 
of State and Cowden streets. The following persons were then 
elected as officers and teachers of the new school for the ensuing 
year: Superintendent, Mr. E.;Byers; assistant superintendent, 
Mr. John Heim ; treasurer. Mr. Wm. Duncan ; librarian, Mr. Wm. 
A. Parkhill ; assistant librarian, Mr. D. L. Duncan ; teachers, Mr. 
George Garberich, Mr. Wm. D. Martin, Mr. Geo. T. Murray, 
Mr. Chas. Ossman, sr., Mr. Wm. Parkhill, Miss Mary Landis, Miss 
Mary J. Ossman, Mrs. Mary Eyster and Mrs. Wm. Sayford. 
Others were added as necessity required, but their names have 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 225 

not been left on record. The school grew so rapidly that on the 
fourth Sunday the rooms on the first and second floors of the 
building were filled. It became evident at once that larger ac- 
commodations must be secured in the near future. 

At the next meeting of the joint Sunday-school Association steps 
were taken to secure a lot on which to build a chapel for the use 
of the school. In March, 1859, the lot at the Corner of State and 
Fourth streets, on which the Baptist church now stands, was 
leased for five years. 

The undertaking met with the favor of the vestry and member- 
ship of Zion church, a loan was secured, and steps were at once 
taken to erect a cheap wooden chapel on the lot leased. This 
building was completed during the early summer, and dedicated 
and occupied by the school in July. For some time thereafter 
services were held in the chapel on Sunday afternoon and Thurs- 
day evening by Rev. C. A. Hay, D. D., pastor of Zion church. A 
mite society was organized by the teachers of the school to raise 
funds to pay for the building. By mutual agreement, it was 
thought best that a pastor should be secured to take charge of the 
work of the mission, and accordingly the vestry of Zion church 
extended a call to Rev. Joshua Evans for this purpose. The call 
was accepted, but before entering upon his labors here Rev. 
Evans re-considered his action and declined. Rev. E. S. Johnston 
was then called, who entered upon his duties June 24, i860. A 
congregation of 64 members was organized September 13, i860, 
sixty-one of whom brought letters of honorable dismission from 
Zion church. 

The new church thus began its independent existence, and 
Rev. Johnston became its pastor, devoting his whole time and 
energy to its welfare. A Sunday evening prayer-meeting was 
organized, which has been kept up, except for short intervals, ever 
since. A constitution was adopted the following January, and 
the necessary steps were taken to unite with the East Pennsyl- 
vania Synod. 

About this time a lot was purchased for a permanent church 
home, on Elder street, and partly paid for. Not long afterward, 
however, it was rendered unavailable for church purposes by the 
opening and grading of Forster street, which passed through it 



2 26 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

at the intersection with Elder street. The chapel had been paid 
for, but the lot on which it stood had been sold, and a few months 
afterwards the chapel was sold. Another lot was bought, on 
Forster street near Sixth, and steps were at once taken to erect a 
two-story stone edifice as the future home of the congregation. 

By April, 1864, more than a year after the ground was broken, 
the building was so far completed as to enable the congregation 
to use the basement, but it was not finished until 1867, when on 
July 12, it was dedicated. In the meantime Rev. E. S. Johnston 
resigned, November 1, 1866, and Rev. G. W. Halderman became 
pastor January 13, 1867. The congregation at this time num- 
bered about 150 members, and in the erection of this church had 
passed through one of the severest ordeals of its existence. It 
had a church home, but this was heavily mortgaged with debt. 
Three years later, January 24, 1870, Rev. Halderman resigned. 
The congregation was without a pastor until September 28, 1870, 
when Rev. F. P. Tompkins was elected pastor, who served in this 
capacity until April, 1873, when he resigned. The pulpit was 
supplied until September, when Rev. L. M. Heilman was elected 
pastor, who entered upon the duties of his office November, 1873. 

During this pastorate, which lasted for ten years, new life and 
zeal were infused into the congregation. Nearly all of the debt 
on the church building, which had become very burdensome, was 
paid. The building was enlarged, to make room for the increased 
membership. It was also thoroughly overhauled at very consid- 
erable expense. The children and young people of the congre- 
gation were regularly instructed in the catechism and the doc- 
trines of the church, missionary societies were organized, the 
people grew in piety and spiritual power, the Sunday-school 
increased greatly in numbers and in efficiency, many of the young- 
people from time to time united with the church and identified 
themselves with its work, and the blessing of the Lord was every- 
where manifest. At the close of this time the membership had 
increased to over 400, and the Sunday-school to nearly 500. 
Rev. Heilman resigned June, 1883. 

In October of the same year Rev. H. S. Cook became pastor, 
and served the congregation in this capacity until January, 1888, 
when he resigned. During this time the remainder of the debt 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 227 

was paid, and the lot on which the present church building stands 
was purchased. The temporal and spiritual work of the church 
was carried along very much as during previous years. April i 
of the same year Rev. T. T. Everett, D. D., became pastor. The 
church building soon proved too small for the audiences that at- 
tended the public worship, and it was evident to all that a larger 
audience room was a matter of necessity. For some time the 
congregation was in a quandary, whether to endeavor to remain 
in this building until the lot recently purchased had been paid 
for, and a fund sufficiently large to erect a new building had been 
secured, or to build at once. The latter course was adopted, at 
the risk of incurring a heavy debt, and a two-story brick chapel, 
100 feet by nearly 60 feet, was erected. It was dedicated April 
13, 1890. The building has been well furnished and well 
equipped for church work, and will answer the needs of the con- 
gregation until the entire structure, of which this is only a part, 
is completed. In March, 1890, the name of the congregation 
was changed from " The Second English Evangelical Lutheran 
church" to "Messiah Lutheran church." In June of the same 
year the Augsburg Lutheran Sunday-school was organized in the 
northern part of the city as a missionary enterprise of the con- 
gregation. At the time of Dr. Everett's resignation, December 
18, 1890, the congregation numbered about 600 members, and 
the Sunday-school had an enrollment of over 800. 

Rev. Luther DeYoe became pastor September 6, 1891, and 
still continues in this relation. January, 1892, about 100 mem- 
bers were honorably dismissed, at their own request, to organize 
the Augsburg Lutheran church. During the last year large num- 
bers have been added to the church. The membership now 
numbers over 700, and the Sunday-school enrolls over 900. The 
congregation is in a very prosperous condition. 

The following are the various organizations at work in the 
church at present : Weekly Prayer meeting, Senior Christian En- 
deavor organization, Junior Christian Endeavor organization, 
Young Men's League, King's Daughters, Woman's Missionary 
Society, Young Ladies' Mission Band, Children's Missionary 
Society, Ladies' Mite Society, society for liquidation of debt, con- 
sisting of nearly 20 committees, and the usual senior and junior 
catechetical classes. 



2 28 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



XLVI. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, STONE CHURCH POST 
OFFICE, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 

BY REV. I. H. McQANN. 

St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Centreville, (Stone Church P. 
O.,) Pa., was informally organized February 2, i860. A meet- 
ing was called to be held in the second story of an old school- 
house that stood in the centre of the village of Centreville. 
About forty men responded to the call, all of them nominally 
members of the German Reformed and Lutheran congregations, 
known as Christ's Church. This call was occasioned by the vigor- 
ous denunciation of the views held, services demanded, and 
methods of worship desired, by a respectable minority in each of 
the above-named denominations. After some preliminary dis- 
cussion, Reuben Schoch was elected president, and Jesse 
Pearson, secretary of the meeting. It was resolved that they 
unite in one body, to be called " New Measure Lutherans." 

Samuel Hilliard moved that a church be built near Centreville. 
This motion was amended by Jacob Kunsman, to read that two 
churches be built, one at Richmond and another at Williamsburg, 
Pa. Notwithstanding the wisdom of the amendment, it was 
voted down, and the original motion carried unanimously. 

George Baker moved that a committee of four be appointed to 
solicit funds for the erection of the proposed building. The 
president appointed John Schoch, Reuben Wagner, Theodore H. 
Ink, and Abraham Schmell. 

On February 10, nine days after the first call, another meeting 
was held. The Committee on Finance reported $2,803.50 sub- 
scribed. Philip Pearson was the first to subscribe, and pledged 
himself for $100.00; Jacob Pearson and Joseph Emory followed 
with like sums. Then there was a deep silence, when the three 
persons named doubled their pledges. This gave a new impetus, 
and large subscriptions followed in rapid succession. The new 
church being an assured fact, specifications were presented, and 
Jacob Pearson and Joseph Stahley were appointed a building 
committee. The formal organization now took place. A church 
council of six elders and four deacons was elected and organized. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 229 

The elders were Daniel Emory, Abraham Schmell, Reuben 
Schoch, Jesse Pearson, and Jacob Deiterich ; the deacons, John 
C. Pearson, William Jacoby, Ephraim Dutt, and Christian Brodt. 

Rev. J. J. Albert, a former pastor of the First Lutheran congrega- 
tion, was consulted. He recommended Rev. John I. Burrrell, then 
a theological student at Gettysburg. The Council sent a commit- 
tee to confer with a similar organization at Martin's Creek, Pa. 
It was agreed that the organizations at Centreville and Martin's 
Creek would unite in one pastorate. An election was held in 
Joint Council April 14, i860, and Rev. Burrell received a unani- 
mous call. The newly- elected pastor entered at once upon the 
arduous work before him with unflinching zeal. 

The Church Council was convened June 18, i860, and named 
the new organization, " St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church." 
Arrangements were made to lay the corner-stone July 4, and on 
November 10, i860, St. Paul's, amid great rejoicing, was solemnly 
dedicated to the service of Almighty God. In the meanwhile the 
M. E. church was offered and used for preaching purposes. Ar- 
ticles of incorporation were granted March 28, 1861. A pro- 
tracted service followed immediately on the dedication of the 
church. A precious revival was the result, and on January 13, 
1 86 1, the Lord's Supper was administered to two hundred and 
twenty-eight persons. Special services were conducted in neigh- 
boring school-houses ; many were savingly converted and added 
to the growing congregation, and at the next communion season 
St. Paul's enrolled her largest number of members. 

The outbreak of the Civil War became the occasion of difficulties 
and discouragements which seriously interrupted the progress of 
the congregation. The pastor tendered his resignation February 
8, 1875, an d accepted a call to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he died a 
few years afterward. 

About this time St. Paul's withdrew from her former pastoral 
relation with Martin's Creek and Ackermanville congregations, 
and formed a separate pastorate. It continues so up to this time. 

On September 20, 1875, the congregation extended a call to Rev. 
H. R. Fleck to become pastor of their now distracted field. Rev. 
Fleck's labors were eminently successful. He succeeded, in a 
large measure, in restoring peace and good will among the mem- 



23O EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

bers, and many others were brought to a saving knowledge of the 
truth and added to the church. After six years of patient and 
devoted ministerial labor, he resigned the charge. During Rev. 
Fleck's pastorate, on January 30, 1876, the congregation changed 
its synodical relations from the New York and New Jersey Synod 
to the East Pennsylvania Synod. 

Rev. P. S. Hooper was the next pastor, who remained with the 
people about eighteen months. He was followed by Rev. C. S. 
Trump, who entered the field January 31, 1883. During the 
spring and summer of 1883 the church edifice was re-modeled and 
the interior beautified. The church was re-opened August 5, 
1883. Rev. Trump presented his resignation September t, 1888, 
to take effect in thirty days. 

The next pastor was Rev. J. T. Gladhill, who, owing to ill 
health, resigned August, 1891, having been pastor about two years 
and six months. He succeeded in bringing most of the young 
people of the congregation into church fellowship, and his work 
will tell for the future. 

The present pastor, Rev. I. H. McGann, began his labors 
March 1, 1892. The congregation now numbers two hundred 
and twelve members. The people seem united and willing to 
work. There is a spirit of improvement and advancement mani- 
fest, and the congregation, during the vacancy of seven months 
before the present pastor was called, erected an iron fence facing 
the public road for a distance of 243 feet, re-papered the parsonage, 
laid stone walks, and made various other needed improvements. 

St. Paul's has furnished to the ministerial ranks Rev. Ephraim 
Dutt, Rev. W. H. Dunbar, D. D., Rev. John Wagner, Rev. Jacob 
S. Paul, Rev. Charles B. Gruver. Mr. George Uhler is now a stu- 
dent at Gettysburg preparing for the ministry. George D. Stan- 
ley, M. D., Professor of Hygiene and Physical Culture in Penn- 
sylvania College, is one of her sons, as was also Mr. Alvin Schmell, 
a very promising young man, who died while a theological student 
at Gettysburg in 1890. 

Material aid in the preparation of the above has been received 
from an excellent and detailed history of the congregation, written 
by Prof. B. F. Reasley, ex-Superintendent of Public Instruction in 
Northampton county, and read by him at a congregational jubilee 
held August 18, 1892. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 23 1 



XLVII. LYONS CHARGE— LYONS, PLEASANTVILLE, 
MOHRSVILLE, AND STRAUSSTOWN, IN BERKS 
COUNTY; MACUNGIE AND UPPER MIL- 
FORD, IN LEHIGH COUNTY. 

BY REV. J. A. SINGMASTER. 

The Lyons charge consists of six small congregations in Berks 
and Lehigh counties. The present church membership numbers 
263, and the Sunday-schools, teachers and scholars, about 650. 
The German language is used at the regular services. In the 
Sunday-schools English predominates, and it is used also more or 
less frequently at special preaching services on Saturday and Sun- 
day evenings. 

The charge was formed by Rev. A. D. Croll in 1868, and con- 
sisted of congregations then organized by him at Lyons, Macungie 
and Pleasantville, together with the Mohrsviile Union church, es- 
tablished in 1864. Salem was at first only a preaching station, 
but formed a separate organization in 1872. Strausstown was not 
added to the charge until 1878. 

The formation of this charge was the result of a great revival 
of religion during the ministry of the sainted Rev. A. D. Croll. 
In the year 1862 he became the pastor of six country congrega- 
tions, known as the Lobachsville, DeLong, St. Peter's, Hereford, 
Longswamp and Hill churches, located in Berks county, and ad- 
hering to the Synod of Pennsylvania. He exercised a wonderful 
spiritual influence throughout his large charge, in awakening, 
converting and edifying souls. For five years he continued the 
faithful and popular pastor of this large field. Calls to more in- 
viting and prominent churches did not induce him to leave his 
important work. He had, however, serious difficulties to contend 
with. None of the congregations held prayer-meetings, in 
which he so ardently believed. His methods began to arouse 
opposition on the part of some of his people, as well as from his 
clerical brethren. 

In the meantime Pastor Croll found his connection with the 
Synod of Pennsylvania growing "less congenial. Its well-known 
disapproval of " revivals," the comparatively rigid type of Luther- 



232 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

anism which it advocated, the cold formalism prevalent in many 
of its congregations, together with other reasons, induced Mr. 
Croll to withdraw from the old Synod in March, 186 3. He im- 
mediately proceeded to gather his adherents into new organiza- 
tions, excepting at Mohrsville, where the entire congregation 
followed him. He was received, with his five congregations 
numbering 200 members, into the East Pennsylvania Synod in 
September, 1868. A period of great religious activity followed. 
During the succeeding six years, hundreds were converted and 
spirituality promoted in wide circles. Contributions grew phe- 
nomenally for that region. Besides supporting their pastor from 
the start without missionary aid, and building new churches, th e 
offerings for the benevolent objects of the Synod amounted to 
$400.00 per annum. The power of the Holy Spirit was further 
manifested in the call of young men to the ministry. During the 
eight brief years of Mr. Croll's pastorate, three of these became 
pastors and two others had almost completed their preparation. 
Since then two more have entered the ministry, and another can- 
didate is preparing. Thus, in the twenty-five years of the history 
of the Lyons charge, it has rarely been without at least one can- 
didate for the ministry. 

The tremendous labors of Mr. Croll soon broke down his frail 
body. With the words, a Is this dying? No, sweet living," upon 
his lips, he passed away June 19, 1876, aged 38 years. His death 
was a severe blow to his congregations, which had now increased 
in membership to 335. The protracted illness of Mr. Croll, fre- 
quent changes of pastors, long vacancies, the wide separation of 
the churches, and various other causes, have to some extent de- 
pleted the membership, but there is yet much pure '" salt" there. 
The sketch of the charge will be amplified in the brief notes on 
the individual congregations here following. 

1. St. Paul's Church, Lyons Station. 

This congregation was organized by Rev. A. D. Croll, in 1868, 
out of adherents who followed him from the De Long congrega- 
tion at Bowers. The corner-stone of the substantial two-story 
brick church was laid June 1, 1868. Mr. Croll's pastorate ex- 
tended from 1 868-1 8 76. Rev. W. I. Cutter and others supplied 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 233 

the charge until the former was elected pastor, in July, 1877. He 
was succeeded in February, 1878, by Rev. E. Daron, who resigned 
January 1, 1880. Rev. D. E. Reed was the next pastor, for less 
than a year. Rev. W. H. Lewars succeeded him, April to, 1881, 
and resigned January 24, 1882. Rev. Wm. G. Mennig acted as 
supply for some months. On November 15, 1882, Rev. J. A. 
Singmaster took charge, and remained until April, 1885, when he 
resigned for the purpose of serving the Macungie charge, which 
had been formed by the withdrawal of Macungie and Salem from 
the Lyons charge and the addition of St. John's, Fogelsville. 
Rev. George W. Fritsch, who had been called to the ministry 
through the instrumentality of Rev. A. D. Croll, became pastor in 
the summer of 1885. After serving the charge about six years, he 
resigned in March, 1891. Since then the pulpit has been tem- 
porarily supplied by Rev. G. J. Martz, of Lebanon. Revs. W. R. 
Wieand, of Altoona, P. C. Croll, of Lebanon, and Morris F. Good, 
of the Theological Seminary, entered the ministry from this 
church. 

2. St. John's, Pleasa^tville. 
The history of this congregation is much like that of the fore- 
going. It was organized under similar circumstances by Pastor 
Croll in 1868, with a small membership which withdrew from con- 
gregations in the vicinity. For ten years the congregation wor- 
shiped in a hall. Their neat brick church was built during the 
pastorate of Rev. E. Daron. It has had the same pastors as the 
church at Lyons Station. 

3. St. Matthew's Church, Macungie. 
St. Matthew's church was organized in 1868 by about 100 peo- 
ple who separated from Solomon's Lutheran and Reformed 
church, under the leadership of Rev. A. D. Croll. In 1869 a 
brick church, seating about 400 people, and costing $6,500.00, 
was erected upon land donated by James Singmaster. The pas- 
tors have been the same as those of St. Paul's, Lyons. During the 
pastorate of Rev. J. A. Singmaster. this church, with Salem and 
Fogelsville, formed the Macungie charge for about a year and 
a half (April, 1885, to September, 1886). After his resignation it 
re-united with the Lyons charge, of which Rev. G. W. Fritsch was 



234 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

the pastor. During the pastorate of Rev. E. Daron a frame 
chapel was erected. This congregation has given to the ministry 
Rev. J. A. Singmaster, of Allentown, and Rev. O. C. Roth, of 
Baltimore. Another of its young men has recently consecrated 
himself to the same work. Since 1881 the church has sustained 
a nourishing Woman's Missionary Society. 

4. Salem Church, Upper Milford. 

This church is situated about three miles south-east of Macun- 
gie. Its original membership separated in 1868 from a neighbor- 
ing church, called St. Peter's, whose history dates back to 1770. 
For four years Rev. A. D. Croll, whom they followed from the 
old church, preached occasionally in their houses and barns. 
Their names, however, were enrolled in St. Matthew's, Macungie. 
In 1872 they organized separately and built a comfortable stone 
church, with basement, seating about 250 people. It has always 
had the same pastors as Macungie. 

5. Union Church, Mohrsville. 

The Union church of Mohrsville, Berks county, Pa., was 
founded in 1864 by members of the Union church at Shoemakers- 
ville, from which they withdrew on account of dissatisfaction with 
the election of an "independent" pastor. Messrs. John Snyder, 
Isaac H. Mohr, Seth Zimmerman and Isaac K. Becker, were 
elected as a building committee and erected a brick church, 
thirty-six by forty-eight feet, with basement and gallery. The 
dedication took place May 7, 1865. 

The Reformed held their first election for pastor in January, 
1865, and chose Rev. Aaron Leinbach. 

The Lutherans elected Rev. B. E. Kramlich in February, 1865. 
He resigned June 24, 1867. Rev. A. D. Croll was then elected 
pastor, being a member of the Synod of Pennsylvania. At his 
second appointment he announced that he could not accept a 
call, in view of his intention of changing his synodical relations 
by uniting with the East Pennsylvania Synod, unless the congre- 
gation would hold another election. He was again unanimously 
elected, and served the church with the greatest possible accept- 
ance until the time of his death in 1876. Daring the ministry of 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 235 

Rev. A. D. Croll, the church was connected with the Lyons 
charge. 

After his death Rev. J. A. Singmaster, pastor at Schuylkill 
Haven, supplied the pulpit for about two years. Rev. E. Len- 
hart became pastor on July 9, 1878, and the congregation, by a 
re-districting of various charges, was assigned by Synod to the 
Womelsdorf charge, consisting of congregations at Womelsdorf, 
Strausstown, Mohrsville, Myerstown and Gosherts. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Philip C. Croll in 1879, whose pastorate ex- 
tended to December, 1882. Rev. I. B. Crist took charge in Sep- 
tember, 1883, and labored until June 1, 1885. By a new ar- 
rangement, Mohrsville and Strausstown were now added to the 
Lyons charge, consisting of four churches. Rev. G. W. Fritsch 
became pastor in the summer of 1885, and terminated his pastor- 
ate April 1, 1 89 1, since which time the pulpit has been supplied 
by neighboring pastors. 

The church edifice was re-modeled in 1886 at a cost of #1,400.00, 
all of which was paid on or before the dedication. The improve- 
ments consisted in raising the floors, thus bringing the basement 
above ground, and in removing the side galleries. Since then, 
shedding has been erected to the rear of the church, and the 
cemetery improved. The introduction of new reversible seats 
into the Sunday-school room is now contemplated. 

The membership numbers at present fifty-eight, and the Union 
Sunday-school over a hundred. On account of the frequent 
changes of pastors and the present vacancy, the membership has 
been somewhat depleted. This little congregation has always 
been very zealous in the work of the Lord. It has given one of 
its young men, Rev. Wm. H. Lewars, the present Secretary of 
the Synod, to the ministry of Christ. 

6. St. Paul's Church, Strausstown. 

This congregation was organized by Rev. J. M. Deitzler, in 
1 86 1, with a few members who withdrew from Zion Union Luth- 
eran and Reformed Church. At a meeting held on July 15, 
Messrs. John Strauss, Jonathan G. Reber, Michael Miller, John 
Boltz, and Dr. W. J. Schoener, were appointed a building com- 
mittee. Within a week they had purchased a lot for the church 



236 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

and cemetery and begun building operations. The corner-stone 
of a frame church was laid in August. Suitable sermons were 
preached on this occasion by Revs. A. C. Wedekind, E. S. Henry, 
and J. M. Deitzler, the pastor. The church was finished and 
consecrated in November, Rev. P. Willard assisting the pastor in 
the services. During the following winter the membership in- 
creased to seventy by means of a great revival. 

Rev. Uriel Graves succeeded Rev. Deitzler as pastor on April 
1, 1865. He resigned March 6, 1866. From this date to Nov. 
15, 1868, when Rev. G. J. Martz became pastor, the church was 
dependent upon supplies. The charge consisted at this time of 
churches at Womelsdorf, Schaefferstown, and Strausstown. Rev. 
Martz continued pastor for about nine years. During 1877, Rev. 
W. I. Cutter supplied the pulpit. Rev. E. Lenhart became pas- 
tor July 9, 1878. Since then it has been served by the same pas- 
tors as Mohrsville. 



XLVIII. MARTIN'S CREEK CHARGE, NORTHAMPTON 

COUNTY, LOWER MOUNT BETHEL AND 

ACKERMANVILLE. 

BY REV. WM. HESSE. 

i. Trinity Church, Martin's Creek (Lower Mt. Bethel). 

The Mt. Sion church of Lower Mount Bethel, was jointly con- 
trolled by Lutherans and German Reformed. It was built in the 
year 1837. Rev. Andreas Fuchs was the first pastor, serving un- 
til 1850. His preaching was all in German. He was succeeded 
by Rev. Mark Harpel, whose preaching was partly English 
and partly German. Rev. Jacob Albert entered upon the duties 
of pastor as successor of Mr. Harpel early in 1855, remaining un- 
til the fall of 1859. His preaching was mostly English, and of a 
spiritual character. Rev. J. I. Burrell was next chosen, under 
whose preaching a great awakening took place. 

In 1864 a number of members, with the pastor, withdrew from 
the old church and organized a new congregation, electing the 
following as a Church Council : 

Trustee : Abram Shimer. Elders : Christian Buzzard, George 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 237 

Racely, Joseph Engler, Charles Ziegenfuss, Robert G. Morris. 
Deacons : David Hinkle, Joseph Kiefer, William Snyder, John 
Riegel, Samuel Hile, Joseph K. Snyder. 

The following were appointed as a Building Committee : Rev. 
J. I. Burrell, pastor, Drs. Asa K. Seem, Abram Shimer, Christian 
Buzzard, Joseph Kiefer, Jr., William Snyder. 

The corner-stone of the new church was laid in 1864, in the 
immediate vicinity of the old building, Rev. Luther Albert, of 
Germantown, Pa., preaching in the morning, Rev. R. A. Fink, of 
Lewisburg, in the evening, Rev. Duy, of New Germantown, N. J., 
officiating in the formal act of laying the corner-stone, and Rev. 
R. B. Forsman assisting in the services. 

The consecration of the new building took place on Thursday, 
December 8, 1864, Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., of Chambersburg, 
preaching able sermons morning and evening. Rev. J. I. Bur- 
rell read the dedicatory service. A number of other ministers 
were present. The pastor and congregation belonged to the 
New Jersey Synod. At a joint council meeting of Upper and 
Lower Mount Bethel, held March 19, 1862, it had been agreed 
that Lower Mt. Bethel pay the sum of $500.00 toward building a 
parsonage at Centreville, Pa., which amount was to be refunded 
in case of a division of the charge. 

On May 29, 1875, a joint congregational meeting was held, at 
which it was decided to divide the charge, and a committee was 
sent to Synod to secure its sanction of the division. The first 
congregational meeting of Trinity, after the division, was held 
July 31, 1875, for the purpose of electing a pastor. Rev. J. H. 
Leeser was chosen, during whose pastorate the synodical relation 
was changed from the New Jersey to the East Pennsylvania 
Synod, and a fine parsonage erected by the church. Rev. J. H. 
Leeser resigned, to take effect May 3, 1877. R- ev - S. Stall re- 
ceived and accepted a call August 25, 1877, and took charge on 
the 28th of the same month. He resigned November 20, 1880, 
to take effect December 8 of the same year. Rev. F. W. Staley 
was chosen as pastor March 25, 1881, and entered upon his 
duties April 1. Rev. A. R. Glaze took charge October 1, 1885, 
and resigned May 26, 1889. Rev. William Hesse, the present 
pastor, entered upon his duties November 10, 1889. 



238 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

The present amount paid for support of pastor is $700.00 and 
parsonage ; from all sources $900.00. There is no indebtedness 
qui either of the church buildings, and the Sabbath-school is in ex- 
cellent working order, with an enrollment of 152 scholars and 23 
teachers and officers. Nine church papers are taken. Two 
young men are now entering school to prepare for the ministry, 
Mr. Herbert D. Shimer and Mr. John I. Burrell Hummer. One 
other young man, Daniel Hinkel, now teaching school, hopes also 
to prepare for the sacred office. 

2. Zion's Church, Ackermanville. 

The Zion's congregation of Ackermanville, Pa., was organized 
by Rev. J. I. Burrell in the year 187 1. A church was built, 
jointly with the Evangelical Association, in the year 1872. This 
is a weak congregation. It was formerly connected with Cen- 
treville church, but has been connected with the Martin's Creek 
charge ever since the division of the Centreville charge, in 1875. 
The Sabbath-school is in excellent working order, and numbers 
about eighty, of whom we report forty to Synod. One young 
man of this congregation has entered the ministry, Rev. B. F. 
Kautz, of Millersburg, Pa. 



XLIX. MESSIAH CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. 

BY REV. E. HUBER, D. D. 

Messiah Lutheran church, Philadelphia, had its origin in a 
Sunday-school established December 18, 1859, by members of 
St. Matthew's Lutheran church, during the pastorship of Dr. E. W. 
Hutter. In honor of its first and devoted superintendent, C. Y. 
Barlow, it was named, "The Barlow Mission of St. Matthew's 
church." The school was carried on for six years before any de- 
cided steps could be taken toward organizing a congregation. 
After several preliminary meetings, a public meeting was held 
December 12, 1865, at Thirteenth and Oxford streets, at 
which it was determined to rent a hall on Broad street and to 
hold prayer- meetings regularly in the same. During January, 
1866, the organization of the congregation was completed by the 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



2 39 



adoption of a constitution and the election of church officers. 
Under the name of" Messiah Lutheran Church," the congregation 
was admitted into the Synod of East Pennsylvania in the fall of 
1866, Dr. Theophilus Stork, Sen., representing it at that meeting. 




MESSIAH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA, PA. 

Regular services were held for nearly a year by means of such 
supplies as could be procured, until November 1, 1866, when Dr. 
F. W. Conrad took charge of the congregation, thus becoming its 
first pastor. Under his ministrations the church grew rapidly in 
numbers and in influence, the main part of the present house of 
worship was erected, at the southwest corner of Sixteenth and 
Jefferson streets, and the services hitherto held in a hall near 
by were, in the early part of 1870, transferred to its Sunday-school 



24O EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

room. After serving the congregation for a term of six years, Dr. 
Conrad resigned the pastorship of the; church, and was succeeded 
in December, 1872, by Rev. J. R. Dimm. 

In consequence of reverses in business among some of the 
members, the congregation had become severely crippled in its 
financial affairs, and, unable to meet its obligations, was in danger 
of losing its church property — a bill of sale having, in fact, been 
fastened upon its walls by the sheriff of the city. From this mis- 
fortune the church was happily saved by the indefatigable efforts 
of the pastor and Mr. Christian A. Snyder, the treasurer of the 
congregation, who, during the short time allowed them, raised 
$4,000.00, the sum required to redeem the property. 

After serving the congregation for nearly two years Rev. Dimm 
resigned July 1, 1874, and was some time after succeeded by 
Dr. Joel Swartz, who remained pastor of the church till called to 
Zion's church of Harrisburg. After a considerable interval Rev. 
Eli Huber, of Nebraska City, was elected to succeed Dr. Swartz, 
and entered upon his duties in the congregation the first Sunday 
of March, 1876. 

About two years later the work of finishing the church building 
was begun, and brought to completion in April, 1879. The fol- 
lowing constituted the Church Council at the time : William 
Boyer, Henry Boyer, Henry S. Boner, V. L. Conrad, J. B. Down- 
ing, W. H. Fry, A. Hartranft, H. S. Jones, J. T. Monroe, C. A. 
Snyder, Henry Wile, and John Wiseman. 

The expense incurred in the finishing of the church was about 
$23,000.00, and, as there was a previous indebtedness of over 
$8,000.00, upwards of $31,000.00 had to be made up by the con- 
gregation. Over half of this amount was secured by subscrip- 
tions and collections, and by the sale of certain lots, and the bal- 
ance of $15,000.00, was- borrowed on mortgage, individual mem- 
bers of the council making themselves responsible for the pay- 
ment of the interest. By the aid of the Ladies' Sinking Fund 
Society the interest has been regularly paid, and by successive 
annual collections of about $1,000.00 each, the sum borrowed has 
been gradually reduced to about $5,000.00. The church build- 
ing thus secured cost about $63,000.00 in all— and is a beautiful, 
commodious and well-finished structure. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 241 

The present membership of the congregation is about 315 ; 
the number of scholars in the Sunday-school nearly the same. 

The Messiah church also contributed very freely toward the 
erection of the new building of Pennsylvania College, at Gettys- 
burg, the sum given being nearly $6,000.00. A memorial window 
by the Sunday-school, a fine clock in the tower, and the endow- 
ment of the professorship of English Bible, are abiding testi- 
monials at Pennsylvania College to the liberality of this congre- 
gation. The whole amount thus secured for Gettysburg out of 
the congregation is not far from $35,000.00. 

The pastor of the church, having been elected to fill the pro- 
fessorship thus endowed, resigned the congregation, and preached 
his farewell sermon the first Sunday in September, 1892, exactly 
sixteen years and six months after preaching his introductory 
sermon. 

On the first Sunday in December of the same year, the work 
thus laid down was taken up by Rev. Milton H. Valentine, of 
Bedford, Pa., who is the present pastor. That the blessing of 
God may abide upon this congregation unto the end, is the hope 
and prayer of the writer of this sketch. 



L. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, MAHANOY CITY, 
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 

BY REV. I. P. ZIMMERMAN. 

LTntil 1867 but one Lutheran congregation had an existence in 
Mahanoy City, and that was composed largely of foreign and 
Pennsylvania Germans. In the winter of 1866 and 1867 the pastor, 
Rev. I. C. Burkholder (now Burke), conducted a series of revival 
meetings, upon which God's blessing rested in a special manner, 
resulting in the conversion of one hundred and thirty souls. 
This, to many a new measure, in connection with some other 
trouble existing in the congregation, resulted in a division of its 
members, and the establishment of a second Lutheran church in 
Mahanoy City, with the Rev. I. C. Burkholder as pastor. Ac- 
cordingly, on August 7, 1867, a new organization was effected, 
seventy-nine members signing the constitution, under the name 



242 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

of "St. John's English Evangelical Lutheran church of the Gen- 
eral Synod." 

This new organization at once went to work to secure lots and 
build for themselves a church. In the meantime they continued 
to worship in the old church to which they formerly belonged. 
The lots were secured from the Philadelphia & Reading Coal and 
Iron Company, the congregation paying six hundred ($600.00) 
dollars for one lot and the company donating the other. In the 
same year the congregation reared upon these lots a frame struc- 
ture for a church, at a cost, when completed, of $4,500.00. Rev. 
I. C. Burkholder remained pastor of the congregation until April, 
1869, when he resigned. During the two years of his pastorate 
of the new congregation, several protracted efforts were held, and 
by this means and catechisation forty-three more members were 
added. 

A vacancy now occurred, continuing until October, 1869, 
when Rev. Reuben Weiser became the pastor. He remained in 
that position until January, 18 71. During Rev. Weiser's pastor- 
ate a few German sermons were preached, which was about all 
the preaching in that language the congregation ever had. 

In February, 1871, a call was extended to Rev. D. Beckner, of 
Antes Fort, Pa., which v/as accepted, and he entered upon his 
duties as pastor March 13, 1871. 

In the summer of 1872 the church was papered and re-painted. 
In the fall of 1873 a parsonage was built on the same lot upon 
which the church now stands. The following year, 1874, the 
church was carpeted, and gas introduced. 

Rev. D. Beckner resigned May 1, 1875. During the few 
months' vacancy which followed, the Sunday-school conducted 
an excursion to Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, and netted $656.00, 
which was appropriated to the local indebtedness, and Sunday- 
school library. 

On October 1, 1875, Rev. J. M. Steck took charge as pas- 
tor. The congregation, though having advanced greatly in tem- 
poral affairs, had not gained much in membership, as Rev. Steck 
reports an enrollment of seventy-seven on taking charge, and a 
Sunday-school of ninety, mostly little children. When he re- 
signed, March 1, 1880, he reports 127 members of the congre- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 243 

gation, and the highest number present at any time in Sunday- 
school, 264. 

During this pastorate, in 1879, the church was enlarged by the 
building of a brick front twenty by forty-two feet. New pews 
were placed in the auditorium, walls papered, floor re-carpeted, 
new pulpit furniture secured, and heaters placed in the cellar. 
The cost of the improvements was $2,900.00. Rev. H. Ziegler, 
D. D., preached the sermon at the laying of the corner-stone of 
the new front. Rev. W. W. Criley delivered the sermon at the 
re-dedication of the church as now enlarged and improved, Rev. 
John McCrcn, D. D., preaching in the evening. 

While pastor of the congregation, Rev. Steck began preaching 
at Delano, Pa., and received fourteen persons into church fellow- 
ship, mostly married persons. 

Mr. Newton H. Follmer, who subsequently prepared for the 
ministry and is now pastor of the Yeagertown charge, Mifflin co., 
Pa., was received as a member of the congregation in 1876. 

Upon the resignation of Rev. J. M. Steck, a call was extended 
to Rev. J. W. Lake, who accepted and entered upon the field 
March 1, 1880. His pastorate, however, proved a very brief one, 
as his resignation was tendered and accepted June 1, 1881. 

A vacancy of seven and a half months now occurred, when 
Rev. Wm. H. Lewars accepted a unanimous call tendered him 
January 15, 1882. A pastorate of four years and nine months 
was the result of this union, when, on October 15, 1886, Rev. 
Lewars severed his connection with the congregation. 

During this pastorate a balance of indebtedness on the parson- 
age was paid. 

A Literary Society was organized by Rev. Lewars, which still 
continues its semi-monthly meetings at the homes of a number of 
the members, and is aiding the congregation much financially and 
socially. The benevolence also exceeded that of former years. 

After Rev. Lewars' resignation the congregation remained 
without a pastor until May 1st, 1887, when the Rev. J. R. Sample 
took charge, but remained only three months. 

On September 1, 1887, Rev. I. P. Zimmerman, the present 
pastor, took charge. At this time the congregation numbered 
one hundred and twenty-eight members, but preaching at Delano, 



244 EA ST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

which had been discontinued, was soon resumed, and twenty- 
eight members re-enrolled, making a total of 156. The relation 
now formed proved a very pleasant one indeed. The first year, 
a large catechetical class was formed, which resulted in an acces- 
sion of sixty souls on Easter, 1888. The salary of the pastor was 
advanced from $700.00 to $750.00 the first year. In the summer 
of 1888 an addition of four rooms was built to the west end of the 
parsonage, and the home of the pastor supplied with bath-room, 
etc. At the same time the church was re-papered and painted, 
the cost of all the improvements to church and parsonage being 
about $1,700.00. The re-opening of the church took place on Oc- 
tober 14, 1888. The sermon was preached by Rev. J. A. Wirt, ot 
Hughesville, Pa., and the money solicited by him more than cov- 
ered the indebtedness. 

On January 1, 1888, a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary 
Society was formed, and on February 29 of same year, a Young 
Ladies' Mission Band was organized, both of which are doing 
good work. The latter is educating a boy in India. 

During the short pastorate of Rev. J. R. Sample, a Band of 
Hope was organized among the children, which was subsequently 
changed into a Loyal Temperance Legion, and has rendered good 
service, with a membership of over one hundred. 

In the first year of the present pastorate the envelope system 
was introduced in raising money for benevolent purposes. This 
at once brought system into the work, and in five years the 
amount raised has increased from $166.62 to $579.48. In April, 
1890, the church was re-carpeted. At a congregational meeting 
in May, 1890, the salary of the pastor was increased from $750.00 
to $900.00. 

In October, 1890, a Young People's Society of Christian En- 
deavor was organized with seventeen members, which has had a 
steady growth, numerically and spiritually, now numbering sixty 
members. This society is educating a young man in India. 

On the suggestion of Mr. A. B. Wagner, Secretary of the 
church council, that body appointed at their meeting, the first 
Monday evening in September, 1891, a committee of eight, four 
ladies and four gentlemen, known as the Christian Helper Com- 
mittee, whose duty it shall be to look after the sick, poor, negli- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 245 

gent and timid of the congregation, and make special effort for 
their encouragement. This committee has proved itself very help- 
ful to the pastor in church work. 

In August, 1 89 1, the pastor succeeded in influencing eight 
families to place as many memorial stained-glass windows in the 
auditorium. 

On September 6, 1892, a Junior Society of Christian Endeavor 
was organized with twenty-seven members. The Sunday-school 
has been growing gradually, now numbering three hundred. The 
present membership of the congregation is three hundred in good 
standing. The salary paid at present is $900.00, parsonage, 
water rent, and fuel. The number of Lutheran Observers taken 
is fifty-eight ; the number of Lutheran Missionary journals 
taken, ninety-two. The congregation is free of debt. The value 
of church property is $10,000.00. 

The present year's benevolence is $549.48. One candidate is 
in preparation for the gospel ministry, Mr. Fred. R. Wagner hav- 
ing entered upon a course of study at Missionary Institute, Selins- 
grove, Pa., August 25, 1892. 



LI. BETHANY CHURCH, MILLERSVILLE, 
LANCASTER COUNTY. 

BY MR. HENRY BOWMAN. 

The history of our General Synod Lutheran church in Millers - 
ville, Pa., begins with an unhappy division, which took place after 
the formation of the General Council in 1866. As a result, both 
parties were left numerically weak, and the work of the church 
materially crippled. At the time of the division Rev. J. R. Focht 
was pastor in charge, who, with a minority of the members, on 
January 22, 1867, 

" Resolved, to remain in connection with the General Synod, 
believing that by so doing we can best promote the spiritual wel- 
fare of the congregation." 

They were, in consequence, ejected from their church-home and 
compelled to organize and build for themselves. For a number 
of years the little band (about fifty) were subjected to the inconve- 
niences and disadvantages of worshiping in a hall. In the mean- 



246 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

time Rev. Focht resigned the charge, and Rev. J. Kaempfer was 
called, who commenced his labors as pastor June 1, 1868. He, 
however, remained only a short time, and the congregation was 
then supplied, until 1875, by Rev. B. C. Suesserott, then pastor 
of St. John's in Lancaster city. After his death the work was 
taken up by Rev. W. S. Porr, at that time pastor of St. Stephen's 
of Lancaster. Under his pastoral direction a neat brick church 
(thirty-five by fifty- five feet) was erected at a cost of about 
$3,000.00, and dedicated, free of debt, some time in the early 
part of 1877. Having once more a church home of their own, 
the congregation entered anew upon its mission among the 
churches. After a successful pastorate of about six years, Rev. 
Porr resigned October t, 1880. The congregation again turned 
to the pastor of St. John's in Lancaster, and arranged with Rev. 
R. W. Hufford for their supply. This, however, was soon termi- 
nated by a call of the pastor to Easton, Pa. Synod now recom- 
mended a union of Millersville with the Neffsville congregation, 
and the two were served by a number of pastors. Rev. J. W. 
Eckert, from March 1, 1881, to about the close of 1882. Rev. 
F. Aurand entered the charge November 4, 1883, and remained 
less than one year. Then, in September, 1884, Rev. A. M. Whet- 
stone accepted a call, and remained until December 1, 1885. 
But the union of the two congregations never appeared very con- 
genial, and hence Neffsville refused to co-operate any longer, and 
applied to another pastorate for their supply. Synod, being very 
accommodating, passed the matter by, and left Millersville again 
unable to support a regular pastor. Having, however, the advan- 
tage of a State Normal School in the place, the congregation has 
not been long at any time without a regular supply. February 1 1, 
1887, Rev. J. W. Goodlin, then of York, Pa., accepted a unani- 
mous call from the congregation, and moved to Millersville. 
With this arrangement the people were happy, but only soon to 
be sadly disappointed, when in a little less than two years their 
beloved pastor received and accepted a call to Tyro, Ohio. For 
about six months following Rev. Herbert C. Alleman, then a the- 
ological student, supplied the congregation. In September, 1889, 
Rev. A. W. Lentz moved to Millersville, in order to take a needed 
rest. His services were soon secured, and he has continued with 
entire pastoral care until the date of this history. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 247 

LIL GRACE CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. 

BY REV. J. H. MAIN. 

During the year 1867 Rev. P. Willard, Rev. F. Klinefelter and 
other ministers preached statedly for a short time to congregations 
which met in a hall on the north-west corner of Thirty-fifth and 
Haverford Streets, West Philadelphia. In February, 1868, Rev. S. 
A. Holman, under the auspices of a missionary society composed 
of members of St. Matthew's, St. Andrew's and Messiah churches, 
Philadelphia, commenced preaching in the above hall. Under 
his ministry twenty-one members of the Evangelical Lutheran 
church formed themselves into an organization, known as " Grace 
Evangelical Lutheran Church," on April 5, 1868. During his 
administration, in July, 1870, a lot on the southeast corner of 
Thirty-eighth and Mt. Vernon streets was taken on mortgage, and 
immediately the congregation, with about $300.00, which they had 
themselves contributed and received by collections, began to 
build a brick chapel. The corner-stone was laid in July, 1870, and 
the chapel consecrated November, 1870, at which latter date over 
$500.00 was raised. The entire cost of the chapel was $3,200.00. 
Contributions were solicited during the months of February and 
March, 1872, and sufficient was raised to pay off the entire re- 
maining indebtedness. 

Services were held in the above-named chapel until November 
9, 1873, when Rev. Holman relinquished the charge, and, with 
twenty of its members, who withdrew, formed another organiza- 
tion, known as " Calvary." The Sunday-school and week-day 
services were kept up by the members, and the pulpit supplied 
occasionally by ministers of the Lutheran and other churches. 

The congregation remained in this condition for one year, 
when, at a meeting of the Philadelphia Conference held in the 
chapel November, 1874, Rev. P. Raby was appointed to supply 
the charge temporarily and report to the conference from time to 
time its condition and prospects. As this arrangement was of 
the nature of a supply for an indefinite period, and as Rev. 
Raby was in poor health, he reported the charge vacant and 
urged conference to provide a regular pastor. 



248 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

At a special meeting of Conference it was resolved unanimously 
to appropriate $400.00 for one year, with the expectation that 
the congregation would raise $200.00 more for support of a pastor. 
Brother Raby at the same time was appointed missionary for one 
year. He accepted, taking charge May 23, 1875. From the 
close of this term until the fall of 1877, the charge was without a 
regular pastor. The Sunday-school and prayer-meetings were 
kept up, with a minister occasionally filling the pulpit. 

In the fall of 1877 the present church building at Thirty-fifth 
and Spring Garden streets was purchased from the Presby- 
terians by the Board of Church Extension, with a mortgage of 
$7,000.00, $3,000.00 being paid by the Board, who still hold the 
deed. 

After a number of repairs on the building, the congregation 
called Rev. J. H. Menges as pastor, who accepted, entering upon 
the work in February, 1878. He served the congregation until 
July, 1 89 1. Rev. J. H. Main, the present incumbent, preached a 
trial sermon September 6, 1891, was called in the same month, and 
entered upon the work of the charge October 25, 1891. May 
the blessing of Christ, the Head of the Church, abide with this 
people forever ! 



LIII. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, EASTON.* 

BY REV. R. W. HUFFORD, D. D. 

One of the least edifying things ever seen, in this world of in- 
finite variety, is a church quarrel. It would be pleasant to be 
able to say that such a thing is unknown. The demands of truth, 
however, forbid such felicitous romancing. Not a few of the 
churches now doing good work had their origin in the throes of 
unseemly strife. The swarm went forth because of a disturbance 
within the hive. 

* Note. — The first Lutheran pastor whose la bors are upon record in what is 
now the city of Easton was Rev. John Justus Jacob Berkinstock, 1740 to 
1748. From the latter year until 1868. when St. Paul's was organized, the 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 249 

St. Paul's is a child of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church ; 
but when the child left the old home there was no marked display 
of parental and filial tenderness. The trouble was, there were 
two parties in the mother church ; the one in sympathy with 
General Council Lutheranism, the other decidedly General Synod 
in its preferences. Christ Lutheran Church had belonged to the 
Synod of East Pennsylvania, and, thereby, to the General Synod, 
for many years. But in the ecclesiastical unrest of 1866 and 
1867 a movement started, that finally took Christ Church into 
the General Council, and supplied the place thus left vacant by 
the organization and building of St. Paul's. 

Considerable bitterness of feeling was engendered, and some 
things were said and done that no follower of the Master can re- 
call with pleasure. But time — "that makes all things even" — 
has done his kindly work, and the two churches and their 
pastors, though in different Synods, are on friendly terms to- 
day, and we trust that no cause of strife will ever again disturb 
them. 

The first minute in the record-book of St. Paul's is dated April 
17, 1868, and is as follows : 

"A meeting of the members of the Lutheran Church was held 
this evening in the First Baptist Church. The meeting organized 
with the election of Mr. John Eyerman as Chairman, and C. E. 
Hecht, Secretary. Mr. Eyerman stated the object of the meet- 
ing to be to consult together as to our duty, in view of the dis- 
tracted condition of so many Lutheran families, and the with- 
drawal of other entire families from any Lutheran communion. 
He urged all who loved the Lutheran Church, to consider well 
whether it was not our duty to organize a third Lutheran congre- 
gation in Easton, in which all could unite." 

original St. John's congregation was served by the following ministers : Revs. 
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and John Nicholas Kurtz, 1749; Rudolph 
Schrenk, 1 749-1 754; Bernard Michael Hausihl, 1 763-1 764c ?) ; Christian 
Streit, 1 769-1 779; J. Frederick Ernst, 1 780-1 782; Solomon Friederici, 
1782-1798; Augustus Herman Schmidt, 1799-1801; Christian F. L. En- 
dress, 1801-1815; John P. Hecht, 1815-1845; John W. Richards, 1845- 
1851; C. F. Schaffer, 1851-1856; Benjamin Sadtler, 1856-1862; B. M. 
Schmucker, 1 862-1 S67. 

The pastors of Christ Lutheran Church from its establishment until the 
same date were: George Diehl, 1843-1851; Charles Smith, 1851-1854; 
E. Greenwald, 1854-1867; W. P. Ruthrauff, 1867-1870. 



25O EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

After further consideration, a resolution, offered by Mr. Henry 
Bender and seconded by Mr. J. M. Dreisbach, "that we will form 
ourselves into a Lutheran Religious Society," was adopted by a 
unanimous vote. 

At this meeting steps were also taken to rent the Baptist church 
for alternate Sabbaths, organize a Sunday-school, and raise money 
for necessary expenses. A committee was appointed to secure 
pulpit supplies. The temporary organization thus effected was 
soon superseded by a permanent organization, which was char- 
tered as "St. Paul's (Third) Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
Easton." The charter members, regularly dismissed from Christ 
church, numbered forty-nine. Shortly afterwards quite a large 
additional number was received from the same church. 

The first sermon to the new congregation was preached May 
24, 1868, by Rev. Theophilus Stork, D. D., of Philadelphia. On 
the following Sabbath, May 31, Rev. Henry N. Pohlman, D. D., 
of Albany, N. Y., President of the General Synod, occupied the 
pulpit. Thus, at the beginning, the new enterprise received aid 
and encouragement by the presence and counsel of two of the 
most prominent clergymen of the church. 

At a congregational meeting, held August 13, 1868, the first 
church council was elected, consisting of four elders, viz., John 
Eyerman, Henry Bender, George Sweeny and John Armbrust ; 
and four deacons, viz., James M. Dreisbach, David Pyatt, D. B. 
Miller and R. H. Bixler. At chis meeting also the Rev. Joseph 
H. Barclay, of Red Hook, N. Y., was unanimously chosen the first 
pastor of St. Paul's. He received all the votes of the male mem- 
bers present — the ladies having, at a previous meeting, unani- 
mously decided " that it was their duty to abstain from participat- 
ing in any election." This preference on the part of the female 
members was afterwards embodied in the Constitution of the 
church, except that they are permitted to vote at the election of 
a pastor. All other elections are conducted by the male members 
in good standing. 

Rev. Barclay's pastorate began December 1, 1868, when he 
was installed by Rev. Drs. E. W. Hutter, of Philadelphia, and A. 
C. Wedekind, of New York, and continued to October 1, 1872, 
nearly four years. During this time the church building on North 




ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, EASTON, PA. 
(2 5 l) 



252 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Fourth street was erected, at a cost of about $13,000.00. Its 
dedication took place January 9, 1870. The dedicatory sermon 
was preached, contrary to the usual custom, by the pastor him- 
self — not from choice, however. The services of Drs. John 
McCron, of Baltimore, and A. C. Wedekind, of New York, had 
been engaged for the occasion ; but, at the appointed time, Dr. 
McCron was kept away by sickness and Dr. Wedekind missed 
the train ! It was during Dr. Barclay's pastorate that a mission 
was started on College Hill which has since developed into St. 
Peter's (Fifth) Lutheran Church of Easton. After serving 
churches in Baltimore, and Dayton, Ohio, for about fifteen years, 
Dr. Barclay died in Baltimore, October 13, 1887. 

The second pastor of St. Paul's was Rev. Harvey W. Mc- 
Knight, called from Newville, Pa. He was elected almost 
unanimously (but one negative vote being cast), November 6, 
and took charge of the church a few weeks later, December 1, 
1872. The church was not less fortunate in the choice of its 
second pastor than it had been in its choice of the first. Pastor 
McKnight's ministry in Easton lasted seven years and five 
months, and was marked by decided success. He w r as popular 
in his congregation and outside of it, and received large ac- 
cessions to the church. He found the church burdened with a 
debt of $7,000.00, the greater part of which was paid before the 
close of his pastorate. 

May 1, 1880, the pulpit of St. Paul's again became vacant, the 
pastor having accepted a call to the First English Lutheran 
church of Cincinnati. This second pastor of St. Paul's is well 
known to-day as the Rev. Doctor McKnight, President of Penn- 
sylvania College at Gettysburg. 

After an interim of seven months, during which the congrega- 
tion heard quite a number of candidates — two of whom declined 
calls extended — the third pastor was chosen, in the person of 
Rums Ward HurTord, then serving St. John's Lutheran church, 
Lancaster, Pa. The election w T as held October 18, 1880, the 
candidate receiving all the votes cast but one. On the first Sun- 
day of December following, the newly-elected pastor entered 
upon his work in Easton. Twelve years have passed since that 
time, but the third pastorate of St. Paul's has not yet ended. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 253 

After its close will be a more befitting time to write its history. 

The communicant membership of the church is about two hun- 
dred and seventy-five. The elders at this time are Eli M. Fox, 
Samuel Kleinhans, Alvin F. Nolf and Ephraim Myers. The 
deacons are John F. Hess, William A. Lanterman, John Manning 
and George W. Hartzell. During the past year the church gave 
$502.40 to benevolence — $1.86 per rnember. 

The Sunday-school numbers about two hundred, teachers and 
scholars. One member of the school is now a junior at college 
preparing for the gospel ministry in the Lutheran church. A 
Christian Endeavor Society, organized within the past two years, 
has fifty-five members and is an efficient aid to the church, being 
at present enrolled in the number of those that have volunteered 
to support our last missionary to India. A Dorcas Society of 
forty members, and a Young Girls' Mission Band, complete the list 
of organizations within the church. 



LIV. EMANUEL'S CHURCH, WILLIAMSTOWN, 
DAUPHIN COUNTY. 

BY REV. J. A. ADAMS. 

This congregation began to exist in the year 1871. About the 
first of April of that year, Rev. Daniel Kloss began to conduct 
services here in school-houses and in churches of other denom- 
inations, as these places were available. Some time during the 
last of April an organization was effected, numbering about 
twenty members, with the following officers : Elders — E. W. 
Zerby and Frederick Shindler ; Deacons — Alfred Keiser and 
Charles Highland ; Trustees — W. Koenig, J. Hartman and J. 
Erdman. On May 7, 1871, a constitution was adopted, and the 
name, "Emanuel's Evangelical Lutheran Church," agreed upon 
for the congregation. 

This congregation was served by Rev. Kloss in connection with 
that of Lykens, the two constituting " The Lykens Lutheran Pas- 
torate," the pastor preaching once a Sabbath at Williamstown, and 
receiving as salary from this congregation $175.00, $200.00, and 
$225.00 per annum. Brother Kloss served this congregation 
until some time in the spring of 1877, his resignation having been 



2 54 EA ST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

accepted on March 22. During his ministry of six years the 
church record shows the following : Infant haptisms, 87 ; confir- 
mations, 68; marriages, 10; burials 26. 

A lot was purchased, and a church building, thirty-five by 
fifty-five feet, was erected thereon, the corner-stone of which was 
laid A. D. 1874, and the building completed during the year, at a 
cost of about $2,500.00, about $900. 00 remaining unpaid at the 
close of Brother Kloss' labors in the charge. 

During the month of May, 1877, Rev. J. A. Wirt was called as 
pastor of the charge, who served "the Lykens Lutheran pastor- 
ate" until January 1883, a period of about five years and eight 
months, when he tendered his resignation. Rev. Wirt labored in 
the Williamstown congregation with great acceptance to the peo- 
ple and good results. He received as salary from this congrega- 
tion $200.00 and $266.66 per annum. We can not, however, give 
a detailed account of accessions and losses during his stay with 
this people as pastor, as we have a record only of infant baptisms 
and burials, the former numbering 62 and the latter 27. During 
this pastorate the debt of nine hundred and some dollars, resting 
on the church property when Rev. Kloss left, was liquidated, 
and the church property repaired and improved at a cost of be- 
tween five and six hundred dollars, all of which was paid before 
Rev. Wirt vacated the charge. 

Rev. M. L. Heisler was called as Rev. Wirt's successor, began 
his labors in May, 1883, and continued to be the pastor until 
April, 1886, a period of about three years. He received as salary 
from this congregation $300.00 per annum. During Rev. 
Heisler's labors in the pastorate the Church Record gives the fol- 
lowing : Infant baptisms, ^^ ; confirmation, etc., 1 7 ; marriages, 
4 ; burials, 16. Within the same time the church property was re- 
paired and improved, at a cost of between one hundred and two 
hundred dollars. 

At a congregational meeting held December 31, 1885, Em- 
manuel's Evangelical Lutheran congregation of Williamstown, 
up to this time a part of "The Lykens Lutheran Pastorate," 
decided to separate from the Lykens congregation, and in itself 
constitute a charge and support a pastor. At a joint council 
meeting of "The Lykens Lutheran Pastorate," January 1, 1886, 






SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 255 

this action of the Williamstown congregation was made known. 
There being no objection on the part of the Lykens congrega- 
tion, the desire of the Williamstown congregation was cheerfully 
granted, the arrangement to go into effect April i, 1886. 

On February 28, 1886, Rev. M. S. Romig was elected pastor. 
He began his labors April 1, and continued his ministry among 
this people until January 1, 1888, a period of one year and nine 
months. He received as salary six hundred dollars per annum, 
out of which he was to pay the rent of a house. The Church 
Record gives as the result of his labors the following : infant 
baptisms, 45 ; confirmations, etc., 44 ; burials, 21. 

The congregation was without a pastor, being served only by 
supplies, from January 1, 1888, until April 1, of the same year, 
when the present pastor, Rev. J. A. Adams, began his labo s 
in this relation. During his ministry (April 1, 1888, to Sep- 
tember 1, 1892, the date of this writing), a period of four 
years and five months, the church-book records the following : 
infant baptisms 79, confirmations, etc., 101, marriages 15, burials 
30, losses by letter, etc., 40. The congregation now numbers 147 
members. It has a circulation of between forty-five and fifty 
copies of church papers among its members. During the time 
of the present pastor's ministry, a good and pleasant parsonage, 
conveniently located, has been purchased by the congregation, 
which, with repairs and improvements, has cost not less than 
eighteen hundred dollars, all of which has been provided for. 
The salary of the present pastor is six hundred dollars and par- 
sonage. 

A Sunday-school in connection with the congregation was es- 
tablished about the same time that the congregation was organ- 
ized. It has been doing a good work, and now numbers about 
two hundred members. A little over a year since, a Young Peo- 
ple's Luther Alliance was organized, which continues to exist and 
to be helpful to pastor and people. 

It is worthy of note that Mr. E. W. Zerby, who is a member of 
the congregation at present, was one of the original members of 
the organization, and has been in connection with the congrega- 
tion ever since, serving most of the time as an officer, and as 
superintendent of the Sunday-school. 



256 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

LV. MEMORIAL CHURCH, HARRISBURG. 

BY REV. S. DASHER. 

This enterprise was begun about the middle of November, 
1867, by a number of Sunday-school workers of the Zion Luth- 
eran Church of Harrisburg, then under the pastoral care of Rev. 
G. F. Stelling. The Sunday-school was organized in a small 
school-house on the Jonestown Road, near the present location 
of the church. Its sessions were held in the morning during the 
entire year, until about four years ago, when they were changed 
to the afternoon. 

On September 17, 1868, Mr. Shoop and wife conveyed to 
the Trustees of the Zion church the lot of ground situated at the 
corner of Fifteenth and Shoop streets in the said city, fronting 
100 feet on Fifteenth street and 105 feet on Shoop street, on 
which the present church building stands. On this lot of ground 
a chapel was erected by the Zion Lutheran church under the 
supervision of the above-named pastor, the corner-stone of which 
was laid on September 28, 1868, and the superstructure com- 
pleted about June 1, 1869. It was a one-story frame building, 
with seating capacity for about 225 persons. It was set apart 
and consecrated under the name and title of the "Lutheran 
Jubilee Chapel." On the same day, the Sunday-school entered 
its new and then commodious home, and continued efficient and 
successful work up to the close of the year 18 71, when the council 
and pastor, Rev. G. F. Stelling, D. D., of Zion Lutheran church, 
tendered a unanimous call to Rev. S. Dasher. After many 
earnest entreaties the call was accepted, the salary being $600.00, 
and the pastor required to find his own residence. 

The first sermon was preached by the pastor, on the morning 
of January 7, 1872, from the text, Psalm xx. 5, " In the name of 
our God we will set up our banners." There were at this date 
one hundred and twenty officers, teachers and scholars in the 
Sunday-school, and a canvass of the territory discovered thirty- 
five persons who claimed to be Lutherans. 

On February 25, 1872, a meeting was called in the chapel for 
the purpose of effecting an organization. The attendance was 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 257 

large. Rev. G. F. Stelling, who had been invited by the pastor 
to be present, opened the meeting with appropriate religious 
exercises. Mr. J. Amos Fisler was called to preside, Mr. Uriah 
Brown was chosen to act as secretary, and, after the object of the 
meeting had been stated, thirty-five names were enrolled, and a 
constitution was submitted and adopted. Eight officers were 
elected, as follows : Messrs. J. Amos Fisler, J. Potteiger, and C. 
A. Walters, elders ; Messrs. David Mumma, U. H. Brown, and 
I. W. Hoover, deacons ; U. H. Brown, secretary, and David 
Mumma, treasurer. The work was for some time partially sup- 
ported by the mother church. 

In June, 1885, an application was made and a charter granted, 
and the church thereupon became self-sustaining. The name was 
changed to " The Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church of Har- 
risburg, Pa." 

On July 6, 1886, the proper officers of Zion church conveyed 
the lot of ground on which the chapel stood to the new corpora- 
tion for the consideration of one dollar. 

On March 17, 1890, sixty-two of the members of the church 
made application to the council for letters of dismissal, for the 
purpose of forming a new congregation and locating in a more 
central place. Among the number were three trustees, one elder, 
one deacon, and the secretary, superintendent, and a large num- 
ber of the teachers of the Sunday-school. Their request was 
granted. Within a short time after, seven more applied for dis- 
missal and were transferred to the new congregation. This left 
the old church in a weak state, numerically and financially, but 
it rallied once more, and, with the material left, about 120 mem- 
bers, many of whom had little experience in church affairs, took 
hold of the work. It was evident, however, that something must 
be done to infuse new life into the remnant. After earnest 
thought, prayer, and well- matured plans, ground was broken in 
the latter part of April, 1891, on the old location, for a new 
building, the corner-stone of which was laid June 28, 1891, and 
the work of rearing the superstructure pushed as rapidly as pos- 
sible to completion. 

On February 14, the house was set apart and dedicated to the 
worship of the Triune God, in the presence of about 800 people. 



258 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

The morning sermon was preached by Rev. C. S. Albert, D. D., 
of Baltimore ; the evening sermon, by Rev. W. H. Dunbar, of 
Lebanon. The finances were in charge of Rev. J. A. Wirt, of 
Hughesville, Pa., and the consecration was performed by Rev. 
D. M. Gilbert, D. D., of Harrisburg, Pa. The building cost 
about $14,000.00 and the furnishing thereof about $3,000.00. 
The seating capacity of the main auditorium is 423. In the Sun- 
day-school building there are three departments, with a seating 
capacity of at least 600. The main room of the Sunday-school 
is so constructed that it can be used in connection with the audi- 
torium, which then affords a seating capacity of about 800. This 
house, built on a beautiful location, towers heavenward as a monu- 
ment of self-denial and great sacrifice. When the subscriptions 
are all paid, there will be an indebtedness of between $7,000.00 
and $8,000.00. The property, at a low estimate, is worth $20,- 
000.00. The amount of salary now paid the pastor is $600.00, 
and he is required to find his own home. 

The Sunday-school numbers 285 scholars and 30 officers and 
teachers, and has two departments. A third department will 
soon be formed. 

There are three societies connected with the church, namely, 
the Ladies' Aid Society, the Christian Endeavor Society, and the 
Mission Band, all of which are doing good service for the Master. 

The present membership of the church is 169, made up of 
hard-working people, most of whom are of the Lord's poor. 

The progress of this work has been slow but steady. For at 
least eighteen years there were great hindrances. Far to one 
side of the populous district, with no sidewalks or pavements, 
and only one street leading to the church, progress was difficult. 
After a while the old chapel became too small and uninviting ; 
but, thank God, all these things are of the past, and in the near 
future this beautiful church will be in the centre of a large popu- 
lation. 

Up to September 20, 1892, there have been received by regu- 
lar modes of the church, nearly five hundred persons. The 
pastor up to that time baptized 450 children; united 462 couples 
in holy matrimony, and officiated at 744 funerals. He served, in 
connection with this work, the Shoop's congregation, four miles 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



•S9 



east of the city, and the Oberlin church, four miles southeast of 
the city, every two weeks for the term of four years. 

Hitherto the Lord has been with this work. To Him be all 
the glory. His servants take courage and go forward in His 
name. 



LVI. CALVARY CHURCH, WEST PHILADELPHIA. 

BY REV. S. A. HOLMAN, D. D. 

Calvary Lutheran church, West Philadelphia, was organized 
May 10, 1874. The congregation at first worshiped in a hall at 
the corner of Fortieth street and Lancaster avenue. The church 




CALVARY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, WEST PHILADELPHIA, PA. 

edifice, south-east corner of Forty-third and Aspen streets, was 
subsequently built by the congregation, and dedicated to the ser- 
vice of God, December 12, 1875. Recently, an offer having 
been made for their church, it was sold, and a lot on the south- 
west corner of Forty-first street and Mantua avenue was pur- 
chased. A new church is now being erected, which, it is ex- 



2 v 6o EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

pected, will be finished May i, 1893. The location of the new 
building is several squares north-east of the old church. It is near 
the Forty-first street station of the Pennsylvania railroad, and a 
few squares south of Fairmount Park. The church has a front on 
Forty-first street of sixty-one feet, and extends back, for the pres- 
ent, to a depth of fifty-four feet, there being about forty-five feet 
in the rear of the church on Mantua avenue, over which it is ex- 
pected, in the future, to extend the building. The church is 
built of red pressed brick, with the arches over the windows and 
doors of Pompeian brick. The membership of the congregation 
is 120; scholars and teachers in Sunday-school, 274. Rev. S. A. 
Holman, D. D., has been pastor of the congregation since its or- 
ganization. 



LVII. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, LANCASTER. 

BY REV. E. ME1STER. 

St. Stephen's German Lutheran church is the youngest Luth- 
eran congregation in Lancaster. Its house of worship, which is 
situated on the corner of Duke and Church streets, measures 
49x75 feet, and has a steeple and spire 172 feet in height. The 
congregation was organized July 19, 1874, at which time the 
necessity of a second German Lutheran church was felt. There 
were only seventeen families at the above-named time to start the 
new church. Its first officers and church council were Messrs. 
Adam Oblender, John Ochs, C. P. Krauss, W. C. F. Sheer, Peter 
Dietz, Henry Zimmermann, John Landau, Bernhard Kuhlmann, 
B. F. Adams, A. Grotzinger, Jacob Lutz and William Gelzen- 
lichter. The congregation is connected with the East Pennsyl- 
vania Synod and through it with the General Synod. Its first 
pastor was Rev. W. S. Porr. 

In 1880 he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. E. 
Meister. Until 1881 the services were held in the lecture room, 
and on March 13-16, 1881, the main audience room of the church 
was dedicated. On Trinity Sunday of the following year the 
church was completed, and beautified with a large^pipe organ. 
The membership of St. Stephen's now is nearly 400 souls. There 
is connected with this church an excellent Sunday-school, includ- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



26l 




ST. STEPHEN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, LANCASTER, PA. 



ing a nourishing Bible class ; also, under the supervision of the pas- 
tor, is a Youths' and Ladies' Society, designed to further the in- 
terest of this young but enterprising congregation. 



262 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

LVIII. ST. PETER'S CHURCH, COLLEGE HILL, EASTON. 

BY REV. C. R. TROWBRIDGE AND REV. W. H. DUNBAR, D. D. 

In 1870 St. Paul's Lutheran church, Easton, Pa., Rev. J. H. Bar- 
clay, pastor, erected a mission chapel on Porter street, near High 
street, College Hill. It was a frame building of twenty-four by 
forty feet, with a recess seven feet wide in front, five feet in rear, 
and three and six-tenths feet deep. The Building Committee were 
C. Edward Hecht, David B. Miller, Amandus Schug, and Wil- 
liam Sweeny, of St. Paul's church. The chapel was finished and 
dedicated in the fall of 1870, Rev. Dr. F. W. Conrad preaching 
the dedicatory sermon. This building was afterward changed 
into and used for some years as a parsonage. It was then sold, 
and is now used as a private dwelling. In this chapel a Sunday- 
school was at once established. From the first the work was 
attended with the most encouraging success. Preaching services 
were held as those in charge were able to secure some one to 
break to them the Bread of Life. An occasional sermon was 
preached by Rev. Dr. Barclay. During the years 1870-1873 
the population of College Hill increased with great rapidity. The 
idea was conceived, and received with great enthusiasm, to or- 
ganize a congregation. Action was at once taken by St. Paul's 
Church Council, Rev. H. W. McKnight, pastor, to effect such 
organization. In July, 1874, a meeting of the people was held in 
the chapel, at which it was decided to organize the new congre- 
gation. 

On motion of Ephraim Bower, the name adopted was, " St. 
Peter's Sixth Lutheran Church of Easton." It was originally 
designated " Sixth," because there were five Lutheran churches in 
existence in Easton before this one. It was afterward discovered 
that the colored church was designated " The First Colored Lu- 
theran Church," and the title of St. Peter's was changed in the 
charter to the " Fifth Lutheran Church of Easton." The first 
Church Council consisted of P. A. Shimer, Ephraim Bower, 
Amandus Steinmetz and James H. Buell, elders ; and Edwin 
Sandt, Isaac Snyder, Noah Deitrich, Daniel Brinker and Van 
Selan Walter, deacons. These officers were installed in the latter 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



263 



part of July by Rev. H. W. McKnight. Rev. W. H. Dunbar 
was called as first pastor on Friday, August 28, 1874, and 
preached his first sermon on the following Sabbath. The congre- 
gation was received into the East Pennsylvania Synod at Pottsville, 
September 9. On May 1, 1875, the congregation was regularly 




ST. PETER'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, EASTON, PA. 



chartered by the Court of Northampton county. The first com- 
munion was held October 18, 1874. The number communing 
was twenty-eight. The whole membership was thirty-six. 

At the request of some of the good people, it was determined 
by the Council that a monthly German service be held. The 
pastor conducted the first German service on Sunday morning, 



264 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

October ti, 1874. It was the only such service held. At a 
meeting of the Church Council, held during the following week, 
a motion was offered, and without a word of comment, unani- 
mously carried, that there be no more German preaching. The 
pastor profited by the experience, and has never attempted to 
preach German since. We can not but think that, so far as the 
congregation was concerned, the action was wise. 

The congregation having grown with great rapidity, early in 
the spring of 1875 it was decided to build a new church. A 
Building Committee was appointed, with power to raise money 
and to carry on the work. The committee consisted of A. Stein- 
metz, P. A. Shimer and Ephraim Bower, with William Werkheiser 
as treasurer of the building funds. A lot on the south-east corner 
of Porter and High Streets was purchased for $1,500.00 by Mr. 
John Eyerman, of St. Paul's church, and presented to the congre- 
gation, upon which it was decided to build. The corner-stone of 
the new building was laid June 19, 1875. The services were 
participated in by Rev. H. W. McKnight, of St. Paul's, Rev. Ph. 
Pfatteicher, of Zion German Lutheran church, Rev. S. Henry, 
Secretary of the East Pennsylvania Synod, and Rev. Dr. W. C. 
Cattell, President of Lafayette College. The new church was 
completed in January, 1876. It is a beautiful and commodious 
brick building with Sunday-school room adjoining, costing about 
$12,000.00. It was dedicated January 16, 1876, Rev. Dr. F. W. 
Conrad preaching the dedicatory sermon. 

It is due to Mr. John Eyerman to say that his heart was 
in this enterprise from the first, and most liberally did he en- 
courage it. In addition to the $1,500.00 for the lot upon which 
the new church was built, he paid a subscription of $1,500.00 to 
the new building ; at the dedication he subscribed $300.00, and 
paid for one of the large windows. It was his expressed wish 
that a mortgage of $5,000.00, held by him against the congrega- 
tion, should be canceled as soon as a remaining indebtedness of 
$3,000.00 over and above the mortgage was paid. This wish 
was carried out through the kindness of Mrs. Eyerman after his 
death. 

After the dedication of the new church, a debt of $5,000.00 
remained on the building. The panic of 1874 was just beginning 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 265 

to be felt. Laboring men were without work, and business men 
had to husband all their resources to keep themselves afloat. It 
was a severe struggle for the young congregation to meet its 
obligations. The sacrifices made for the church during those 
years are seldom surpassed. Rarely have a people given more 
liberally and worked more faithfully. 

The first communion service in the new church, January 23, 
1876, was the sixth in the history of the congregation. The num- 
ber of communicants was 59 ; the whole number of members, 76. 
At the next communion, April 16, the number of communicants 
was 87, and the whole number of members, 116. Rev. W. H. 
Dunbar resigned in May, 1880. 

Rev. H. B. Wile, a graduate of the Theological Seminary 
at Gettysburg, became pastor in August, 1880. Under his pas- 
torate the church was freed from debt. In September, 1880, the 
old chapel was changed into a suitable parsonage. This old 
chapel-parsonage was sold in the fall of 1885, and the present 
commodious brick parsonage was erected, adjoining the church. 
Upon the representations of Rev. Wile, and at the earnest solici- 
tation of the congregation, the East Pennsylvania Synod gave 
$1,000.00 towards the debt on the church, and in 1884 the entire 
burden was lifted. During the summer of 1884, and prior to the 
meeting of the East Pennsylvania Synod in Easton in the fall, the 
church was re-painted and repaired at a cost of $450.00. Rev. 
Wile resigned September 9, 1885. 

Rev. J. B. Keller, of Wiiliamsport, Md., was elected pastor 
in January, 1886, and assumed charge the following March. He 
resigned in January, 1888, after a term of not quite two years. 
During his pastorate the membership increased some forty or 
more. 

Rev. Chas. R. Trowbridge, of Trenton, N. J., was elected 
pastor on May 18, 1888, and assumed charge of the work on 
August 22, 1888. During his pastorate, seventy-four were 
added to the membership of the church. On October 25, 
1 89 1, a brick addition, sixteen by twenty- two, to the Sunday- 
school room, for the use of the infant school, was thrown open 
and dedicated, free of debt. The total cost was S450.00. 
Rev. R. W. Hufford, D. D., and Rev. T. C. Pritchard, assisted 



266 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

in the dedicatory services. Two young men of this congregation 
have entered the ministry. They are Rev. Chas. M. Sandt, 
formerly pastor at Gordon, Pa., temporarily residing at Easton, 
and Rev. C. E. Walter, who is now the assistant pastor of 
Trinity Lutheran Church, Germantown, Pa, 

The ladies of the congregation deserve much credit for their 
activity in efforts to assist in meeting the financial obligations of 
the congregation. At various times Aid or Mite Societies have 
done good work, and have raised a great deal of money by their 
labor. On November i, 1891, a Society of Christian Endeavor 
was formed, with some twenty or more active members. A Cir- 
cle of King's Daughters is also in existence among the young 
ladies of the congregation. During the winter of 1 890-1 891, a 
Circle of King's Sons maintained semi-monthly prayer-meetings 
among the young men of the congregation with some success. 

The salary paid to the pastor at present is $650.00, with par- 
sonage, a total of perhaps $750.00 or $800.00. 

The Sunday-school consists of two departments — the primary, 
with three officers and teachers and eighty-five scholars ; and the 
intermediate, with twenty-three officers and teachers and one 
hundred and four scholars. 

The present indebtedness on the parsonage is $1,250.00, and 
on a house and lot adjoining the parsonage, also owned by the 
congregation, $950.00, making a total indebtedness of $2,300.00. 



LIX. ST. JOHN'S, STEKLTON, DAUPHIN COUNTY. 

BY REV. M. P. HOCKER. 

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran congregation of Steelton, Pa., 
dates its history from January 31, 1875, when, in the old brick 
school-house until recently standing on South Second street, a 
congregation was organized by Rev. E. Daron, who was then 
serving what was known as the Shoop's pastorate, and who had 
preached in the school-house at stated periods before this date. 
A Sunday-school had been organized as early as November 22, 
1874, with about twenty pupils. The first officers of the school 
were : Superintendent, F. C. Earnest ; Secretary, John A. Mc- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



267 



Clure ; Librarians, C. A. Dobson and Martin Sharlock ; Managers, 
Jacob Felty, Henry Lenhart, Mrs. Dobson, and Mrs. Sharlock ; 
Treasurer, Jonas Books. 

When the congregation was organized a few months later the 
following Church Council was chosen : Trustees, Jacob Lenhart, 
David Sloop, and Henry Miller ; Elders, Christian Harm and F. 
C. Earnest ; Deacons, J. A. McClure and Martin Hocker ; Treas- 
urer, Jonas Books. 




ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, STEELTON, PA. 

The congregation was united with the Shoop's pastorate, and 
Rev. Daron became the first pastor. From its beginning the 
congregation gave evidences of intense activity, and, though few 
in numbers, arrangements were very soon made to build for them- 
selves a chapel on Locust street, near Second, which building, 
though several times enlarged, still serves the congregation as a 
place of worship. The corner-stone was laid on August 15, 1875, 
and the completed building was dedicated on December 19 of 
the same year. 



268 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Too much praise cannot be given to the few devoted, zeal- 
ous members who gave themselves so earnestly to this new enter- 
prise. They laid the foundations of that which, under the bless- 
ing of Providence, developed into what we now so greatly 
enjoy. Some of the charter members are still with us, and 
have the rare satisfaction of working amid abundant fruitage 
in the garden of their own planting. The debt of gratitude 
on our part is not limited to members of the Lutheran church. 
There were those of other denominations who labored with and 
for this struggling congregation. The names of Mr. and Mrs. 
Dobson, especially, are most gratefully mentioned by the pio- 
neers in this work whenever reference is made to those days of 
small things. 

Rev. Daron, after serving the congregation a little less than 
three years, resigned January i, 1878, and was succeeded by 
Rev. Samuel Yingling, who took charge June 1, 1878. The latter 
served the congregation until September 6, 1880, or about two 
years and three months. About this time the congregation be- 
came a distinct pastoral charge, having separated from the 
Shoop's pastorate. 

Rev. Wm. S. Porr became the third pastor, and entered upon 
his duties October 1, 1880. After serving the church with com- 
mendable zeal and remarkable activity for two years and two 
months, he resigned November 30, 1882. During his ministry, 
and by his personal efforts largely, the chapel was beautified and 
rendered much more cheerful. At the close of his administra- 
tion, and nearly eight years from the date of the organization, 
the congregation numbered about seventy-five members, with a 
Sunday-school of about one hundred and fifty. 

From the last of November, 1882, until the middle of July, 
1883, the congregation suffered from the demoralizing condition 
of being without a pastor ; for, although the present pastor ac- 
cepted a call February 1, he could not, prior to the above date, 
exercise any pastoral care, being still a member of the Senior 
class in our Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, from which in- 
stitution he was graduated in the latter part of June, 1883, having 
in the interval, however, served the congregation as a supply. En- 
tering upon his duties in July, 1883, and making a house to-house 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 269 

visitation, in company with our beloved and now sainted brother, 
D. B. Lupfer, about fifty adherents to the church were found, a 
number of members having recently removed. 

Thus began the second half of the congregation's history up to 
date. Under the very special blessing and favor of God, during 
the last nine years the congregation has had a prosperous career. 
Although we have lost many members by removal and for other 
reasons, some of which will be referred to later, yet we number 
over four hundred members to-day, with a Sunday-school of 
nearly six hundred. 

The following marks of prosperity may be noted : net growth 
of membership, from 50 to 405 ; of Sunday-school, from 150 to 
580. The church building has been twice enlarged, and the main 
body of the church has been beautified. A site for a new church 
edifice has been bought and paid for at a cost of $5,100.00, not 
including interest on borrowed money. 

The congregation has always responded to worthy appeals for 
contributions to the various operations of the church at large. 
We have always met our apportionment, and, with one or two ex- 
ceptions, have exceeded it every year. We have not been un- 
mindful of the poor. The pastor's salary has been regularly 
increased, from $500.00 the first year, to $1,000.00 several years 
ago, and is promptly paid every month. 

By the aid of our council, especially that of our deacons, who 
seem to realize the responsibility of their stewardship and try to 
keep the church free from debt, the financial condition of our 
congregation is excellent. 

We have also built and already partly paid for a chapel on 
South Second street, where the mother congregation has organized 
a mission church, and for several years prior had maintained a 
Sunday-school, for one year supporting a missionary on the 
ground. 

We have never aimed merely at numerical growth, for, while we 
believe that the church is the divinely ordained institution in 
which, by the faithful use of the means of grace, men are to be 
saved and prepared for heaven, yet our council has regularly 
stricken from the roll the names of those who have given unmis- 
takable evidence that they were not striving to walk in the faith, 



27O EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

and who have persisted in a wilful dereliction of duty in the face 
of patient forbearance and sincere efforts to reclaim them. 

We have sustained heavy numerical losses during the past sev- 
eral years, by the death of prominent members and the removal 
of others from the locality. We dismissed a number to assist 
in organizing St. Paul's mission. By the organizing of the Ger- 
man Lutheran congregation several years ago we lost some mem- 
bers, and when St. Mark's congregation was organized we gave 
letters of dismissal to six male and fifteen female members. 

Our Church Record reveals the gratifying fact that we have 
received into church fellowship in the last eight and a half years 
575 members, an average of nearly 68 each year. Of these, 163 
were received by letter, 132 by profession of faith, 86 by bap- 
tism, 192 by confirmation, and 2 by restoration. During this 
time 315 infants were consecrated to God in holy baptism, 123 
marriages solemnized, and the pastor officiated at 169 funerals. 

The congregation has entered upon the eighteenth year of its 
existence under most encouraging circumstances. The past year 
was, in many particulars, the most prosperous. Perfect harmony 
prevails. There seems to be a disposition on the part of most of 
our members to respect each other's opinions and regard each 
other's feelings, a disposition that must characterize the true 
Christian and the congregation that would expect the blessing of 
heaven upon their work. 

The initiatory steps have been taken to build a large and hand- 
some church edifice for the comfort and increased facilities of the 
congregation. It is not considered wise to hasten this important 
work unduly ; but by careful, deliberate counsel, accompanied by 
harmonious, concerted action, we confidently hope to realize, in 
the near, future, what we so ardently desire and so greatly need, 
viz. : a commodious and attractive house of worship. With grati- 
tude and extreme delight we note that one year ago the congre- 
gation gave their first candidate for the holy ministry, Webster C. 
Spayde, whom they supported one year in the preparatory de- 
partment at Gettysburg. 

May the rich blessing of God continue to abide with us ! 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 271 



LX. CENTRAL CHURCH, PHCENIXVILLE, 
CHESTER COUNTY. 

BY REV. JOHN KLING. 

The Central Lutheran church of Phcenixville, Pa., was organized 
by Rev. S. S. Palmer, pastor of the Pikeland church, on December 
5, 1875, w ^ tn eleven members. The following is the list of 
names : Mrs. Elizabeth Tustin, Mrs. Sarah Auld, Miss Jane Auld, 
Miss Annie Rixstine, Miss Sarah Wells, Mrs. Mattie Caveny, 
William E. Caveny, Mrs. Emma C. Gregg, Mrs. Sophia King, 
Henry Rixstine and Thomas King. 

The following-named brethren constituted the first official 
board of the church : Thomas King, William E. Caveny, Harmon 
Kanouse, Henry Rixstine, Jonas Tustin, William C. Dettra, Ben- 
jamin F. Auld, Davault Beaver. 

The first sermon looking toward the organization was preached 
by the aforesaid minister in May, 1875, in the Mennonite church, 
corner of Main and Church Streets, permission having been 
granted through the earnest efforts of Thomas King, a member 
of the Pikeland congregation. 

At a regularly- called meeting held on December 25, 1875, the 
Mennonite congregation (being about to abandon their work in 
the town) unanimously agreed to convey their church property 
to the Lutherans upon the following conditions, viz. : That the 
latter should assume the indebtedness upon the property, and 
that they should hold the property for divine worship. These 
conditions were unanimously accepted by the Lutherans. In ac- 
cordance with an act of the State Legislature, passed in 1873, and 
by action of the courts of Chester county, on May 17, 1878, the 
church became an incorporate body. The circumstances which 
led to the organization were such as are common in nearly all 
growing towns, viz. : Lutherans were coming in from the sur- 
rounding country, locating in the town, and going into churches 
of other denominations. 

The congregation has been served by the following-named 
pastors : Rev. S. S. Palmer, from December 5, 1875, to August, 
1880 ; Rev. W. M. Baum, Jr., from October 1, 1880, to. January 29, 



272 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

1883; Rev. Philip S. Hooper, from March 1, 1883, to August 1, 
1886; Rev. H. C. Grossman, from November 1, 1886, to No- 
vember 1, 1890. 

The present pastor, Rev. John Kling, commenced his labors 
February 19, 1891. The church has not been associated with 
any other in pastoral relation. 

The building is of stone, and was erected by the Mennonites in 
1789. It was repaired by them in 1873, an d again repaired by 
the Lutherans in 1890. 

The congregation has no parsonage. Present indebtedness is 
$320.00. , The amount of salary paid the present pastor is 
$800.00, and $15.00 monthly toward the rental of the pastor's 
house. 

The Sunday-school, previous to the organization of the church, 
was known as a Union school ; but after the organization it im- 
mediately became Lutheran, with about fifty members. The first 
superintendent of this newly-organized school was Wm. E. 
Caveny. 

A Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organ- 
ized in 1885, during Rev. Hooper's pastorate, which continues its 
work. 

In May, 1890, a Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor 
was organized, which is, indeed, a source of great and efficient 
help in the work of the church. We also have what is called a 
"Good Will Society," which is not only of a social character, but 
of financial aid. 

About forty copies of the Lutheran Observer are taken by the 
congregation, thirty copies of the Missionary Journal, and one 
hundred copies of the Lutheran Sunday-School Herald. 

The present membership of the church is 164, and the present 
condition and outlook are quite encouraging to both pastor and 
people. 

LXI. ST. PAUL'S, GORDON, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 

BY REV. A. R. GLAZE. 

Gordon is situated in the west-central part of Butler township, 
Schuylkill county, Pa. It bears its name in honor of Judge Gor- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 273 

don, of Reading. The first congregation for religious worship 
was assembled in a school-house in the outskirts of the village 
(now a borough), about 1854, by Rev. Joseph Adams, who was 
located in Northumberland county and was a member of the 
Northumberland Presbytery. He preached at Gordon every two 
weeks for several years. There were a few Methodist families in 
the village ; and, during the ministrations of Rev. Adams, a union 
Sunday-school, composed of Presbyterians and Methodists, was 
organized in the same school-house and conducted very success- 
fully. 

The first Methodist preaching at Gordon was in the year 1857, 
by Rev. J. A. DeMoyer, who was stationed on what was then the 
Catawissa circuit of the Baltimore Conference. 

Rev. Robert C. Bryson, of Ashland, became the successor ot 
Rev. Adams, serving also the Presbyterian congregation at Gor- 
don. 

It was not long until the school-house became too small to ac- 
commodate the children for the public school. Then a new 
school-house was built nearer the centre of the village. 

In the year 1859 a Methodist society was organized. Wor- 
ship was held every two weeks alternately in the new school- 
house by the Presbyterians and Methodists for about a year. The 
various preachers supplying the Methodist society from time to 
time came from the surrounding towns. Rev. Bryson continued 
to serve the Presbyterians, whose church outnumbered the Metho- 
dists. When it was thought expedient to erect a church edifice, 
a vote was taken by the citizens to decide which denomination 
should have the choice of building. It was decided in favor of 
the Presbyterians, who, in i860, built the church beside the pub- 
lic school-house, on the lot presented by the McKnights of Read- 
ing, and secured a clear title for the same. The edifice cost 
about $2,500.00. The Northumberland Presbytery donated 
$1,000.00 towards the enterprise. This edifice remained in pos- 
session of the Presbyterians until December 2, 1872, when, on 
account of their decrease in membership, caused by many re- 
movals, it was sold to the Methodists, who had by this time in- 
creased in membership, for the sum of $1,300.00. 

In the meanwhile several Lutheran families appeared in the 



274 £A ST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

place. These, with the surviving Presbyterians, were served suc- 
cessively by Revs. Sikes, Curtis, and Hackenberg, pastors of 
the Lutheran church at Ashland. An Episcopalian minister of 
Ashland, by the name of Washburne, also served them for a while. 
In 1876 the church, being involved in debt, was sold, and pur- 
chased by the Lutherans for $600.00, the Methodist Society being 
compelled to seek a shelter elsewhere. 

The Lutheran church at Gordon was organized by Rev. O. D. 
S. Marcley, September 3, 1876, with thirty-three members. The 
following were the officers elected at the time of its organization : 
Elders, Thomas Rasbridge and W. H. Anthony ; Deacons, George 
F. Rick, Charles F. Hoffman, Joseph L. Harper, Edward G. Eb- 
ling, Boaz Dreher, and Frederick Rice. Rev. O. D. S. Marcley 
was elected its first pastor. From the time of its organization 
until February 3, 1886, it formed a part of the Ashland pastor- 
ate, and Rev. Marcley was succeeded as pastor May 16, 1878, by 
Rev. D. E. Rupley, and he, November 1, 1879, by Rev. J. H. 
Weber. 

During the ministry of the last-mentioned pastor, a revival, in 
February of 1880, resulted in general good and thirty-four addi- 
tions to the church. An organ was purchased in June, 1880, for 
$250.00. In December, 1880, another great revival was experi- 
enced in this church. In December, 1881, a church fair was 
held, from which $565.00 were realized. In August, 1882, began 
the w r ork of remodeling the church edifice. This consisted in 
removing the gallery, putting in stained windows, painting the 
exterior and papering the interior, securing new pulpit and altar 
furniture and a new chandelier, at a total cost of $1,000.00. 
The church was re-dedicated October 29, 1882, free from debt, 
Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., preaching the dedicatory sermon. 

October n, 1885, it was resolved at a joint council meeting 
that this church separate from the Ashland church and become 
an independent pastorate no later than July 1, 1886. Accord- 
ingly, Rev. J. H. Weber tendered his resignation, to take effect 
on the date named. He, however, closed his successful services 
for this people, February 28, 1886, with a morning communion 
service and the addition of seven members. He found the con- 
gregation with 42 members, and left it with 106, and in a pros- 
perous condition. 






SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 275 

A bell was purchased in 1878, at a cost of $160.00, and a par- 
sonage was bought, December, 1885, of Mr. George Hudson, for 
$ 1, 4c 0.00. On the latter, $1,000.00 remain unpaid. 

Rev. W. G. Thrall, of South Valley, N. Y., became the first pas- 
tor belonging exclusively to the St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran 
church of Gordon, and began his labors March 1, 1886, under 
the most flattering prospects. 

A union Sabbath-school had been organized April 2, 1876, 
with sixty-eight scholars and seven teachers. W. H. Anthony 
was elected its first superintendent, and held the position many 
years. Rev. Thrall, while pastor, contended for a separate 
Lutheran organization. The school is to-day thoroughly Luth- 
eran in name and character, and, under the superintendency of 
Mr. Thomas Rasbridge, is in a prosperous condition, with one 
hundred and fifty scholars and twenty-nine officers and teachers. 
Rev. Thrall ended his labors for this people in December, 1887. 
Rev. C. W. Sandt was elected as his successor, and served from 
July 1, 1888 to December 1, 1891. 

On the night of March 28, 1890, the church building, along 
with the school-house, was destroyed by fire, the fire originating 
in the latter. Then, by the painstaking effort of pastor Sandt, 
his estimable wife, and a devoted people, a new church edifice 
was erected where the old building stood, at a cost of $10,000.00. 
This new house of worship, built of brick, having a large audi- 
ence-room, with a seating capacity of 350, and a convenient 
Sunday-school room in the basement, unique in design, magnifi- 
cent in style of architecture, beautiful in finish, stands as a 
monument to the zeal and loyalty of a little band of devout fol- 
lowers of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was dedicated to the worship 
of Almighty God, Sunday, September 27, 1891. Rev. Wm. M. 
B. Glanding, of Ashland, Rev. J. H. Menges, of Philadelphia, 
and Rev. J. H. Weber, D. D., of Sunbury, conducted the dedica- 
tion services. 

Rev. A. R. Glaze became the first pastor of the new church, 
entering upon his work January 1, 1892. The success of his 
first year's work may be seen in the parochial report to Synod. 
The synodical apportionment was met, and nineteen new mem- 
bers have been added to the church. 



276 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

The Presbyterian society at Gordon ended with the disposal 
of their church property to the Methodists in the year 1876 ; the 
Methodist society has a fine church edifice and a beautiful and 
well furnished parsonage standing side by side in the centre of 
the borough ; but the Lutherans have the most beautiful, sub- 
stantial and commodious church building in the place, with a 
suitable lot at the side, donated to the church by Mr. Thomas 
Rasbridge, one of its original members, for a parsonage. 

From September, 1891, to September, 1892, this congregation 
was, in the Providence of God, enabled to cancel orders to the 
amount of $5 246.19. Its present indebtedness amounts (Novem- 
ber, 1892) to $4287.28. The estimated value of its church 
property is $12,000.00, and its communicant membership is 130. 
This, with a flourishing Sunday-school, brightens the hope for its 
future. 



LXII. MT. EDEN CHURCH, LANCASTER COUNTY. 

BY REV. J. V. ECKERT. 

Mount Eden Evangelical Lutheran church is located about 
thirteen miles south-east of Lancaster, Pa. The church building 
was erected in the year 1878, and was the result of services held, 
at intervals of several weeks, in Bowery school-house, Eden town- 
ship, Lancaster county, by Rev. J. V. Eckert, during the period 
of about one year. The people began to feel the need of a 
church, and in the month of March, 1878, a meeting was held to 
consider the matter, and it was decided to build a Lutheran 
church, in which, when not used by the Lutherans, other evangel- 
ical denominations should have the privilege of holding religious 
services. 

Rev. J. V. Eckert, Benjamin B. Myers, Joseph Wimer, Jacob 
Eckman, and Samuel A. Keen were appointed the building com- 
mittee. The corner-stone was laid in the month of May, 1878. 
and the church building was completed in October of the same 
year ; but in consequence of a severe equinoctial rain-storm, which 
did considerable damage to the building, it was not dedicated 
until May, 1879. 

The ministers present at the laying of the corner-stone were 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



277 



Rev. J. V. Eckert, Lutheran, Rev. J. A. Cooper, Methodist, and 
Rev. W. G. Cairnes, Presbyterian. Those present at the dedica- 
tion were Rev. J. V. Eckert, Lutheran, Rev. S. E. Herring, Luth- 
eran, and Rev. W. G. Cairnes, Presbyterian. 

The building is of brick, covered with slate, and is thirty-five 
by forty-three feet in dimensions, with a cemetery of one-half 
acre connected with it, and hitching-ground enclosed with suitable 
fencing. The cost of the building was about $2,000.00, and the 
entire ground was donated by Levi Rhoads, of Bird-in-Hand, Lan- 
caster county, who owns the farm from which the ground was taken. 
The church building is beautifully located in the country, and the 
burying-ground is of a sandy, barren soil, and free of stones. 

After the dedication of the building a congregation was organ- 
ized by the election of James Creswell and Joseph Wimer, elders ; 
David Haverstick, Jr., and George Gaul, deacons ; Benjamin B. 
Myers, Jacob Eckman and Samuel A. Keen, trustees. 

The original members at the organization were James Cres- 
well, Elizabeth Creswell, David Haverstick, Sr., Elizabeth Haver- 
stick, Joseph Wimer, Elizabeth Wimer, Abraham Myers, Ann 
Herr, John Carnathan, Levinia Carnathan, David Haverstick, Jr., 
Elizabeth Haverstick. Rev. J. V. Eckert was elected pastor, and 
has remained such up to the present time. 

The people of the community in which the church is located 
were previously rather destitute of church privileges, and there- 
fore unaccustomed to attend any services regularly. They have? 
since the erection of the building and organization, manifested an 
awakened interest in religious services. 

The congregation at present consists of about forty-five mem- 
bers, and is an incorporated body, the charter having been 
granted by the court February 14, 1887. The field of religious 
work is limited. Material advancement is difficult, as the locality 
is not wealthy. The church is now only thirteen years old. It 
has had no basis of traditional Lutheranism, and therefore will 
require time to engraft itself well in the community. 



278 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



LXIII. FIRST LUTHERAN, SHENANDOAH, SCHUYL- 
KILL COUNTY. 

BY MR. WM. A. KEAGEY. 

The First English Lutheran church of Shenandoah, Pa., was 
organized December 18, 1881, in Egan's Hall. The following 
were enrolled as members : J. H. Kurtz, Jacob Glover, John C. 
Glover, H. L. Neff, Henry Miller, Mrs. J. H. Kurtz, Mrs. 
Jacob Glover, Mrs. John C. Glover, Mrs. H. A. Swalm, Mrs. D. 
W. Glover, Mrs. I. P. Neff, Miss Mary Glover, Miss Maggie 
Glover, Miss Robena Glover, Miss Sue C. Neff. 

Rev. I. P. Neff was chosen as pastor. The following officers 
were elected by acclamation : Elders, J. H. Kurtz and H. Miller ; 
Deacons, Jno. C. Glover and H. Neff; Secretary, J. C. Glover; 
Treasurer, J. H. Kurtz. 

At 1 : 30 o'clock on the same day, the Sunday-school was or- 
ganized, with J. H. Kurtz as superintendent, Henry Miller, assist- 
ant superintendent, John C. Glover, treasurer, Maggie Glover, 
secretary, and the following as teachers : Robena Glover, Annie 
Kurtz, Mary John, Geo. Kurtz and John C. Glover. 

A congregational meeting was called on April 1, 1883, for the 
purpose of devising plans for building a church. J. C. Glover was 
appointed as a committee to solicit money for the purpose of 
building, and at the same meeting secured $374.00. On May 8, 
1883, the congregation bought a lot from J. H. Kurtz for the con- 
sideration of $1,250.00, and the following persons were appointed 
by the pastor, Rev. I, P. Neff, as a building committee : J. H. 
Kurtz, Jacob Sanders, Henry Miller, Geo. Wagner, Jno. C. Glover. 

The next minutes are dated September 30, 1883, with Rev. Wal- 
ter Miller in the chair. On March 12, 1884, fifteen hundred dollars 
was received from the Board of Church Extension. Rev. Walter 
Miller resigned October 14, 1885. On January 31, 1886, Rev. 
D. A. Shetler became pastor, and continued up to July 10, 1888. 
On June 10, 1889, Rev. D. B. Treibley was elected pastor of the 
church, and served until August 1, 1891. Rev. M. H. Havice 
was then called to the charge. He entered upon his work here 
December 1, 1891, and is the present pastor. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 279 

The church appears to be now on a good footing and should 
prosper. The membership is about ninety. The Sunday-school 
numbers over one hundred. The sermons of the pastor are ap- 
preciated, and the congregation is harmonious. 






LXIV. BETHANY (FORMERLY ELIZABETH MONROE 
SMITH MEMORIAL) CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. 

BY REV. S. G. SHANNON. 

Bethany is one of the youngest churches in the north-western 
section of the city of Philadelphia. It is not yet ten years old, 
and these have been years of toil, self-denial and anxiety to the 
little band of faithful soldiers of the Cross. Of this church it can 
truthfully be said : "They have come up through much tribula- 
tion." A preliminary meeting was held at the residence of R. I. 
Heim, October 22, 1883, looking toward the organization of a 
General Synod Lutheran Church somewhere in the north-western 
section of the city. The following persons were present : R. I. 
Heim, C. F. Reinstein, W. H. Faunce, George F. Bultman, Jas. 
Lehman and George C. Bultman, Jr. After considerable de- 
liberation, R. I. Heim was elected chairman, G. C. Bultman, 
Jr., secretary, and W. H. Faunce, treasurer, in order to carry the 
project to a more complete and successful end. 

Several meetings were held in private residences, and one pub- 
lic meeting in the Independent M. E. church on Ridge avenue, 
near Twenty-fifth street, October 28, 1883, which was addressed 
by Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D., Rev. W. M. Baum, D. D., Rev. E. 
Huber, and Rev. J. H. Menges. This meeting proved a great 
stimulus toward a permanent organization, which was effected 
November 4, 1883, with eighteen members, in a hall at No. 2529 
Ridge avenue. 

Rev. John R. Williams became pastor, and held the first regular 
service in the aforesaid hall the same day. 

He was formally installed as pastor, January 3, 1884. A con- 
stitution for the better government of the newly-formed congre- 
gation was adopted on Wednesday evening, January 23, 1884. 

At a congregational meeting held September 21, 1884, it was 
resolved to make formal application to be received into, and be- 



280 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



come an integral part of, the East Pennsylvania Synod. This re- 
solution, with a formal application, was presented to Synod, which 
was then in session at Easton, Pa., by R. I. Heim, and the con- 
gregation regularly admitted. 




BETHANY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



On December i, 1884, by action of a committee appointed for 
the purpose, of which R. I. Heim was chairman, the lot at the 
corner of Twenty-fifth street and Montgomery avenue was pur- 
chased, for the sum of $7,333.33. 

On January 5, 1885, the congregation was incorporated under 
the corporate title of ' r The Memorial Lutheran Church of Phila- 
delphia." 

At a congregational meeting held June 10, 1885, it was resolved 
to erect a chapel on the recently purchased lot, whereupon Rev. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 2 51 

J. R. Williams, Lewis H. Bolton, C. F. Reinstein, R. I. Heim and 
C. E. Bauder were appointed a building committee to carry out 
the design of the congregation. Accordingly, a contract was 
entered into with J. M.^Anderson, of Philadelphia, for the erec- 
tion of a stone chapel forty by seventy feet, for the sum of 
$6,000.00, which sum was increased $500.00 by deviations from 
the original design. 

The chapel (a cut of which is herewith presented) was com- 
pleted and dedicated to the service of Almighty God April 11, 
1886. Rev. J. C. Zimmerman, Secretary of the Board of Church, 
Extension, and Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., editor of the Lutheran 
Observer, officiated on the occasion, other Lutheran pastors of 
the city assisting the pastor loci. 

The requisite amount of money to satisfy the claims of the con- 
tractor was not realized on the day of dedication, and, after the 
most strenuous self-denial and sacrifice on the part of members, 
the congregation was unable to meet the demands or longer 
carry the debt. 

On May 30, 1886, the contractor notified the council that he 
would place a builder's lien on the church, which was promptly 
executed. On September 6 of the same year an adveitisement 
of sale was placed on the church door, and on September 20, 
1886, the sheriff of Philadelphia sold the building to J. M. Ander- 
son's attorney, Samuel Baker, for the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) 
subject to the claim against it, deeded the same to the said 
Anderson, and at the same time served a notice on the congre- 
gation to vacate the premises, or lease the same from him at a 
rental of $60.00 per month in advance. This was disheartening 
to the little band of earnest workers who had invested their all 
for the purpose of having a church home, and they were almost 
ready to disband. Some of the more enthusiastic members 
thought they could see day dawning in the distance, and believed 
there was yet a future for a General Synod Lutheran church in 
the north-western part of this great city. They encouraged the 
weaker ones to hold on, even though the future looked dark and 
unpromising. After much prayer and deliberation, the congrega- 
tion determined to make another heroic effort. Having no 
church home, and there being no other alternative, the congre- 



ft 

282 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

gation resolved to pay the rent demanded, which they did for 
nearly five months, during which period an amicable arrange- 
ment was effected between the contractor and the congregation, 
and, according to agreement, the church was re-sold by the 
sheriff of Philadelphia, December 28, 1886, for the sum of 
$5,050.00, R. I. Heim becoming the purchaser for the congrega- 
tion. 

The congregation, now once more in possession of their own 
church home, sought assistance and sympathy from philanthropic 
persons. Overtures were made to the (now deceased) benevo- 
lent John F. Smith, of Broad Street, Philadelphia, who generously 
came to the rescue. A proposition was made to memorialize 
the chapel to his deceased wife, Elizabeth Monroe Smith, on con- 
dition that he would pay $4,000.00, which he did. 

At a congregational meeting held March 6, 1886, it was re- 
solved to change the corporate title to the " Elizabeth Monroe 
Smith Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church of Philadelphia." 
Accordingly, a petition, dated May 2, 1887, was sent up to the 
Court of Philadelphia, praying for a change of charter, and on 
June 2, 1887, the Court granted the prayer of the petitioners, 
and the chartered title was changed to the above. Rev. John R. 
Williams resigned as pastor September 23, 1888, the resignation 
to take effect on the 30th day of the same month. 

At a congregational meeting held January 2, 1889, Rev. S. G. 
Shannon, of Sunbury, Pa., was unanimously elected pastor, and a 
call was extended to him at an annual salary of $1,400.00, the 
Home Mission Board agreeing to pay seven hundred of the above 
amount the first year. After due deliberation the call was ac- 
cepted, and he entered upon his duties as pastor of the congre- 
gation April 4, 1889, and was formally installed June 2, 1889. 
Rev. E. Huber, D. D., pastor of Messiah Lutheran church of 
Philadelphia, delivered the charge to the pastor, and Rev. H. 
M. Bickel, office editor of the Lutheran Observer, delivered the 
charge to the congregation. 

At this time a mortgaged debt of $10,500.00 rested on the 
church property. A systematic effort was engaged in to liquidate 
this bonded indebtedness, which was only partially successful, on 
account of the Memorial Title of the church. Mr. Smith had 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 283 

died, meanwhile, and persons not related to Mrs. Smith hesitated 
to contribute to the completion of the work. This was reported 
to the East Pennsylvania Synod, and at its meeting held at 
Middletown, Pa., September 16-22, 1891, the following was 
offered by Rev. H. W. McKnight, D. D., LL.D. : 

" Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to unite with 
the pastor and church council of the Elizabeth Monroe Smith 
Memorial Lutheran Church of Philadelphia, in the effort to induce 
the Smith heirs to pay the indebtedness on the property." 

The President of Synod appointed as such committee Rev. R. 
W. HurTord, D. D., Rev. H. W. McKnight, D. D., LL.D., Rev. 
Eli Huber, D. D., Mr. Henry S. Boner and F. A. Hartranft, Esq. 
This committee, in company with the pastor, Rev. S. G. Shannon, 
held a colloquium with Mr. Monroe Smith, son of John F. Smith, 
deceased, and representing the estate. This meeting was fruit- 
less so far as the liquidation of the debt was concerned, but an 
agreement was effected to join in a petition to the court to re- 
move the Memorial and change the chartered title, providing the 
congregation thought best. Accordingly a congregational meet- 
ing was held November n, 1891, at which it was unanimously 
decided that it was to the best interests of the congregation to 
secure a release of the said Memorial and a change of the corpo- 
rate name. 

A joint petition of the congregation and Monroe Smith and 
Mary A. Smith (now Combs), children and heirs of John F. 
Smith, deceased, through their legal attorney, was presented to 
the court, praying a change of corporate title from " The Eliza- 
beth Monroe Smith Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
Philadelphia" to "Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
Philadelphia." The prayer of the petitioners was granted by 
Court No. 1 of Philadelphia, January 6, 1892. 

At a regularly-called congregational meeting held May 18, 
1892, it was 

Resolved, To enlarge our church capacity by the erection of a 
permanent building on the rear of the lot. 

The pastor was appointed to canvass for funds for this pur- 
pose. This canvass is now in progress, with what result time 
alone will tell. 



284 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

LXV. BETHLEHEM CHURCH, HARRISBURG. 

BY REV. W. H. FISHBURN. 

In February, 1875, Rev. George F. Stelling, D. D., then pastor 
of Zion Lutheran church, Harrisburg, Pa., originated a movement 
in the Sunday-School Association of his charge, having for its 
object the establishing of a mission school in West Harrisburg, 
"to care for the Lutheran interests in that part of the city." The 
result of the steps taken was the organization of Bethlehem Lu- 
theran Mission Sunday-school, on April 4, 1875. It ^ rst met i n 
a rented room on Broad street. Mr. L. H. Kinnard was chosen 
superintendent ; Mr. James M. Miller was the secretary, and Dr. 
Charles T. George was the teacher of the Bible class. A corps 
of faithful and efficient co-workers made steady progress. Many 
of the first workers in the Mission " remain unto this present, but 
some are fallen asleep." The Mission School occupied the rented 
room for eleven years. The discouragements, the trials and dis- 
appointments, the headaches and heartaches, the self-denials and 
thankless labor — with efforts to do good frequently misunderstood 
and unappreciated — that were encountered in those years by the 
faithful mission workers, cannot be detailed. Yet the school was 
kept alive, the laborers hoping that a better time would come. 

The plot of ground now occupied by chapel and tabernacle, at 
the corner of Green and Cumberland streets, was purchased in 
1879, Dut it was n °t until 1885 that a contract was made for the 
erection of the firsl building for Sunday-school and other pur- 
poses. The corner-stone of the chapel was laid on August 23, 
1885, by Rev. A. H. Studebaker, then pastor of the mother church, 
and on March 21, 1886, the structure was dedicated by the same 
minister. This building, which is of brick, with brown-stone trim- 
mings, in Romanesque architecture, is forty-five by ninety-five 
feet in dimensions, and was comfortably furnished. A week after 
the dedication, the Sunday-school was transferred to its first home, 
and officers and teachers realized that their labors had not been 
in vain. 

In the fall of 1886 a weekly prayer-meeting was established ; a 
few months later the workers in the school, together with a few 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 285 

others in the western part of the city, feeling that the distance to 
Zion was great, that the mother church could spare them, and 
that a Lutheran church was needed in this locality, expressed a 
desire for a separate organization. Overtures were made to the 
church council of Zion, having this end in view, the mother 
church gave her consent, and on March 5, 1887, the Court of 
Dauphin county granted a charter to "Bethlehem Lutheran 
church of Harrisburg, Pa." The charter was granted on March 



BETHLEHEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, HARRISBURG, PA. 

5, on Saturday. On Tuesday, March 8, just three days after- 
wards, a congregational meeting was held for the purpose of elect- 
ing a pastor, and it resulted in the election, by a unanimous vote, 
of Rev. William Haller Fishburn. A call was extended to him, 
and, after mature deliberation, he accepted it. 

The formal organization of Bethlehem Lutheran church took 
place on May 15, 1887, when pastor Fishburn preached his intro- 
ductory sermon. Zion church was closed that day, and the 
entire membership was present with Bethlehem, to wish the new- 



286 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

born child God's blessing. Prof. Knoche, the organist of Zion, 
with the choir of Zion, led the singing. The children of Albert 
and Catharine Hummel presented the new congregation with a 
silver communion service, in memory of their parents ; and the 
Bible class of Dr. C. T. George made the church a gift of six 
silver plates for the offerings. 

On the following Sunday, May 22, pastor Fishburn received 
one hundred and six members into full communion with the 
church, eighty of whom came by certificate from Zion church. 
From this date services were regularly held in the unpretentious 
chapel, which, although large, soon became overcrowded. The 
officers in the first church council were as follows : Trustees, 
Dr. Charles T. George and L. H. Kinnard ; Elders, Alexander 
Blessing and Adam Reel ; Deacons, James M. Miller, Henry 
Fraley, Charles M. Singer, Charles C. Schriver, James H. Lytle 
and Charles Y. Fink ; Treasurer, Alexander Blessing ; Secretary, 
James M. Miller. 

The crowds soon became so great that the chapel was alto- 
gether too small to accommodate them. A larger building be- 
came imperative. But the congregation did not feel able to erect 
a large building of costly material. Mr. Fishburn suggested a 
"Tabernacle " of wood, built to accommodate 2,000 or more peo- 
ple, and so constructed that it could afterward be covered with 
some incombustible material. He preached about the needs of 
the congregation, and in June, 1889, when the organization was 
only two years old, it was decided to build a big tabernacle. 
Plans were approved, and the contract let to Joshua Sweeger, of 
Newport. The new building, with its furnishings, cost $25,000.00. 
It was formally dedicated to Almighty God on November 2, 1890, 
the pastor's father, Rev. Jeremiah Fishburn, of Elizabethtown, 
conducting the services of consecration. The tabernacle is the 
most beautiful church building in Harrisburg. It is seated with as- 
sembly chairs that are convenient and comfortable, and so ar- 
ranged that all their occupants are brought within easy hearing dis- 
tance of the preacher. Wide stairways lead from the pulpit plat- 
form to the galleries, which are also seated with assembly chairs. 
In the front, facing the pulpit, is the choir gallery, on which is a 
magnificent three-manual organ, containing 1859 speaking pipes. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 287 

The main auditorium is lighted by fifty-seven windows of cathe- 
dral glass of richest colors. The pulpit is of brass, and is on the 
large platform between the stairways. 

In the new building the congregation's growth has been rapid. 
On the first Easter after dedication 106 new members were re- 
ceived ; and on the following Easter, 193. Members have been 
received every time the communion has been celebrated. The 
total membership is now between 700 and 800. 

From time to time pastor Fishburn has found it necessary to 
increase the number of men in the working council of the church, 
until it now numbers 2 trustees, 4 elders, 1 2 deacons, 1 2 advisers, 
12 third committeemen, 60 auxiliaries, a treasurer, and the pastor, 
— in all, 104 men. The city has been divided by the pastor into 
twelve wards, and over each ward a committee of eight men is 
placed. A complete directory of the church and all its auxiliary 
societies is published annually. There are in connection with the 
church a Mite society, a Social Circle, a Christian helpers' society, 
a senior and junior Young People's Society of Christian Endea- 
vor, a Sewing society, and other organizations, all of which make 
the outlook for the future most encouraging. 



LXVI. IMMANUEL CHURCH, NORWOOD, DELAWARE 

COUNTY. 

BY REV. E. S. MORELL. 

Norwood is a suburban village, situated in Delaware County, 
Pa., on the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad, 
about eight and a half miles from Broad and Market Street Sta- 
tion, Philadelphia. In the former part of June, 1888, Rev. E. S. 
Morell, pastor of the St. James' Lutheran Church at Chalfont, 
Bucks County, Pa., visited Norwood, and ascertained that there 
was no religious organization there save a few Methodists, who 
held religious services in a room of a vacant dwelling-house, and 
that a large proportion of the population were of Lutheran per- 
suasion. Regarding it as a promising field for mission work, he 
held a consultation with the brethren in Philadelphia, and a self- 
appointed committee, consisting of Rev. Wm. M. Baum, D. D., 



288 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



Rev. Eli Huber, D. D., Henry S. Boner, Superintendent of the 
Lutheran Publication House, and Rev. E. S. Morell, visited the 
locality. After a careful observation, all were favorably impressed, 
and decided that a Mission of our church should be started at 
once. A communication was then sent to Rev. Jacob A. Clutz, 
Secretary of the Board of Home Missions, directing his attention 
to it. In the meantime, permission was obtained from the pub- 
lic school directors to hold meetings in the school building. 
Circulars were then distributed throughout the community, in- 




IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, NORWOOD, PA. 

forming them that a Lutheran Sabbath-school would commence 
on the following Sabbath afternoon, and also requesting the par- 
ents to assemble there on Sabbath evening. 

The attendance at the first session of the Sabbath-school was 
nine adults and twenty-eight children. An organization was then 
effected, with Chas. G. Boekenkamp, a staunch Lutheran, as its 
Superintendent. In the evening, about sixty adults were present, 
and a preaching service was conducted by Rev. E. S. Morell. 
On July 29, 1888, Rev. Jacob A. Clutz, Secretary of the Board of 
Home Missions, was present at the morning and evening service. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 289 

He preached in the morning, and Rev. E. S. Morell in the even- 
ing. When, before closing the service, Rev. Clutz asked for an 
expression by a rising vote, of the willingness of those present to 
co-operate in the work of a Mission enterprise, there was a unan- 
imous response. 

After the return of the Secretary to Baltimore, the Board of 
Home Missions sent a commission to Rev. E. S. Morell to com- 
mence the establishment of a Lutheran Mission at Norwood, 
Delaware County, Pa., September i, 1888. The organization of 
a church was formally effected, September 30, 1888, with twenty- 
two members, after which a church building-lot in a central lo- 
cality was purchased for five hundred dollars. Upon this lot the 
corner-stone for a church building was laid with appropriate ser- 
vices, May 1, 1889, the sermon being preached by Rev. Eli 
Huber, D. D. The church building was dedicated November 
10, 1889, Rev. J. H. Menges preaching the dedication sermon 
and conducting the financiering. Subscriptions to the amount of 
$1,010.09, were secured during the day. The total cost of the 
church building and ground was $5,114.47, which was covered by 
donations and subscriptions, except about $1,775.00, of which 
$775.00 has since been paid off, leaving the church encumbered 
at present with a mortgage of $1,000.00, at five per cent, interest 

The present communicant membership is sixty-nine, with a 
Sabbath-school of one hundred and forty-eight officers, teachers 
and scholars. Rev. E. S. Morell is the pastor, his salary being 
six hundred dollars, of which the Board of Home Missions pays 
three hundred. The members of the Church Council are : Trus- 
tees, Chas. G. Boekenkamp, Frank W. Taylor, Dr. J. N. Wunder- 
lich, Theodore Kreeger, Sr. ; Elders, John Harrison, Henry 
Schroeder, Dr. Geo. F. Baier ; Deacons, Walter L. Orwig, Chas. 
H. Boekenkamp, Thos. W. Pennypacker, Jacob Meier. 



LXV1I. ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. 

BY REV. F. P. MANHART. 

In December, 1888, a Lutheran Sunday-school was organized 
in a building on Sixteenth street, near Cayuga, in the northern 
part of Philadelphia. The building had been erected by Mr. 



29O EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Wm. F. Shaw, a large publisher of music, who expected to have a 
permanent Moravian church established in it. An effort by the 
Moravians to establish such a church failed ; succeeding efforts to 
maintain a union Sunday-school languished. Mr. Frank A. Hart- 
ranft, an attorney- at-law, and a member of the Messiah Lutheran 
church, was invited to take charge of the Sunday-school. He did 
so in December, 1888, with the understanding that the school 
would become Lutheran, and that the property would be deeded to 
trustees appointed by the Philadelphia Conference, to be held in 
trust by them for a congregation to be formed, and to be con- 
nected with the Synod of East Pennsylvania. 

The conditions were met. The property consisted of a lot 
thirty- four by one hundred and sixty- eight feet, having upon it a 
building thirty-four by one hundred and twenty-eight feet. It 
was encumbered by a ground-rent and mortgage, together 
amounting to $6,200.00. Through the efforts of the Conference 
and Mr. Hartranft, regular services were maintained from Decem- 
ber, 1888, to April, 1889. In February, 1889, Rev. Frank P. 
Manhart, of Bloomsburg, Pa., was asked to become pastor. He 
accepted, and commenced his labors on Sunday, April 7, 1889. 
On April 14 a congregation was organized with seventeen mem- 
bers. It was based upon the doctrinal position and polity of the 
Synod of East Pennsylvania and the General Synod. On Wed- 
nesday, the 1 7th, a congregational constitution and the name, " All 
Saints' ", was adopted. (Three adjacent streets being named St. 
Luke's, St. Mark's and St. Paul's respectively, a desire was felt to 
secure a name apropos to local surroundings.) A Church Coun- 
cil consisting of the following was elected : Elders, Frank A. 
Hartranft, Esq., Charles G. Marshall and Hamilton Bingham ; 
Deacons, Charles C. Hess, Sam. J. Lauber and A. J. Rudolph. 
The congregation was received into the Synod of East Pennsyl- 
vania in September, 1889. At the time of this writing it numbers 
seventy-seven communicants, and an enrollment in the Sunday- 
school of two hundred. 

On June 1, 1892, it took title to a plot of ground about one- 
half acre in size, and fronting on Germantown avenue and Cayuga 
and Nineteenth streets. The cost, $6,000.00, was hardly more 
than half its market value. It is admirably located, and with its 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 29 1 

ample proportions offers the best site for the permanent home ot 
All Saints' in its section of the city. 

The Common Service has been in continuous use from the be- 
ginning. Available " Lutheran material " has been scarce in the 
neighborhood. In the membership are persons formerly con- 
nected with eight different denominations. The neighborhood 
greatly needs a church of the generous and progressive character 
which All Saints' aims to maintain. 



LXVIII. ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, ALLENTOWN. 

BY REV. CHAS. E. HAY. 

In response to a call appearing in the daily papers of Allen- 
town, Pa., about one hundred persons assembled in a vacant 
store-room at No. 830^ Hamilton street on the evening of Feb- 
ruary 4, 1890, to consider the propriety of organizing another 
English Lutheran church. Mr. Francis S. Wilt was called to the 
chair, and Mr. Wm. J. Frederick was appointed secretary. It 
was unanimously decided to establish a congregation to be in 
connection with the General Synod. Several hundred dollars 
were provisionally subscribed toward the necessary current ex- 
penses for one year. A further meeting was held on February 
n, when a provisional form of constitution was adopted 
and Rev. Chas. E. Hay, who had just resigned as pastor of 
St. Paul's, was invited to hold services in the store-room on the 
following Sunday, February 16. The invitation was accepted. 
Bare floors and unpainted chairs did not in the least detract from 
the fervor of the enthusiastic and reverent worshipers who filled 
the room at the appointed hours. During the following week a 
large, furnished, third-story hall, at the corner of Eighth and 
Hamilton streets, was rented for an indefinite period at $2.00 per 
week, the free use of the above-mentioned store-room being 
kindly granted by its owner, Dr. H. A. Grim, for all meetings 
during the week. 

On February 23, after a brief service, a congregational meeting 
was held, at which a formal organization was effected and the fol- 
lowing were elected as church officers : Elders, P. K. Grim, F. 



292 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



S. Wilt, H. D. Biever and Edwin Fetzer ; Deacons, C. J. P. 
Bittner, J. C. Kleinsmith, W. J. Frederick, L. O. Shankweiler, 
I. W. Leiby and J. Lehrman. These brethren were installed at 
the evening service, and, at a congregational meeting which im- 
mediately followed, nominated for the office of pastor Rev. Chas. 
E. Hay, who was unanimously elected. 




ST. MATTHEW'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHAPEL, 



ALLENTOWN, FA. 



On the afternoon of the same day a Sunday-school was estab- 
lished with a total enrollment of one hundred and twenty-seven, 
and a temporary organization with seven officers and eighteen 
teachers. The church council organized on the following day by 
electing Mr. P. K. Grim as treasurer, Mr. H. J. Michael as sec- 
retary and Mr. C. J. Bittner as financial secretary. 

On March 14, a plot of ground 80x126 feet, at the corner of 
Tenth and Maple streets, was purchased for $4,200.00, upon the 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 293 

rear of which it was decided to erect a brick chapel 40x75 feet 
in dimensions. The corner-stone was laid on Whitsunday, May 
25, the congregation and Sunday-school marching in a body 
from the hall to the site. Addresses were delivered by Revs. R. 
W. Hufford and C. A. Hay, D. D., the pastor conducting the 
official ceremony, and Revs. J. A. Singmaster and S. A. Repass, 
D. D., assisting. The Allentown band orchestra kindly furnished 
appropriate music. The members of the congregation at this 
time, whose names were deposited in the corner-stone, num- 
bered, with the class of seven catechumens just confirmed, 151. 
Of these, 133 had withdrawn from St. Paul's congregation. 

The completed chapel, costing about $6,000.00, was dedicated 
October 26, Rev. W. M. Baum, D. D., of Philadelphia, officiating 
with the pastor. The Sunday-school was addressed in the after- 
noon by Dr. Baum and Revs. J. A. Singmaster and M. H. Richards, 
D. D. On the following evenings divine services were conducted, 
appropriate sermons being preached by Revs. T. C. Billheimer, 
D. D., C. R. Trowbridge, R. H. Clare and W. H. Dunbar. 

The chapel is a neat and substantial structure, with a seating 
capacity of 450. The large front window was presented by Mr. 
W. J. Frederick as a memorial of his three bright boys who have 
been called to the better world. The pastors of the Easton 
Conference, by personal contributions, provided for two windows, 
in honor of Revs. A. D. Rowe and C. A. Stork, D. D. The re- 
maining windows were, by the generosity of friends, inscribed 
to the memory of Rev. G. F. Stelling, D. D., Mrs. Eliza Hay 
Morris, Mrs. Eliza Ebert Hay, Rev. A. H. Lochman, D. D., 
Rev. J. A. Brown, D. D., LL. D., Daniel K. Grim, Mrs. Rebeeca 
Young Billmyer, Rev. D. J. Hauer, D. D., Daniel Eppley, Rev. 
Samuel Yingling, Mrs. Hannah Roth. The central window in 
the gallery was inserted by the members of the Bible class, in 
memory of Mr. Franklin K. Kern, who had done efficient ser- 
vice for years as instructor of the English Bible class in St. Paul's. 
The pulpit furniture was a gift from Messrs. Francis and Frank 
D. Wilt, the elegant carving being the handiwork of the latter. 
Organs were presented by Messrs. W. J. Frederick and Irvin F. 
Kemmerer. Blackboard, clocks, communion services, pulpit 
Bible and hymn-book, besides many contributions of cash or its 
equivalent, attested the good-will of members and friends. 



294 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

The Board of Church Extension granted a loan of $3,000.00 
without interest for five years. Beyond this there remains less 
than $900.00 of indebtedness. 

The Board of Home Missions has made an annually decreas- 
ing appropriation towards the pastor's salary. 

The congregation now numbers one hundred and eighty-three, 
and expects to become self-sustaining by April t, 1894. 

The Sunday-school has always been a very prominent factor in 
the work of the Mission. A full organization was not effected 
until the completion of the chapel, when the following were 
elected as officers and teachers : General Superintendent, the 
pastor; General Secretary, J. C. Kleinsmith ; General Treasurer, 
H. D. Biever; Ushers, E. Fetzer, J. H. Millar. Infant Depart- 
ment — Superintendent, I. W. Leiby ; Organist, Mrs. L. O. Shank- 
weiler • Teachers, Mrs. Henry Heckman, Mrs. J. B. Frederick, 
Mrs. C. W. Kleinsmith, Mrs. J. H. Millar, Mrs. C. J. Heckman, 
Miss Annie M. Weaver. Intermediate Department — Superin- 
tendent, W. J. Frederick ; Assistant Superintendent, F. S. Wilt ; 
Secretary, J. C. Kleinsmith ; Treasurer, H. D. Biever ; Librarian, 
G. H. Schillinger ; Organist, Mrs. C. E. Hay ; Teachers, H. D. 
Biever, F. S. Wilt, J. Lehrman, Mrs. H. D. Biever, Mrs. C. E. 
Hay, Misses Ella Merkle, Hannah Merkle, Millie M. Spatz, 
Maggie E. Spatz, Emma R. Frederick, Minnie M. Kuntz, Laura 
A. Weaver. Bible Class — Superintendent, L. O. Shankweiler ; 
Secretary, J. H. Millar ; Treasurer, C. J. P. Bittner ; Enumerator, 
G. B. Frederick. 

The entire enrollment of the school is at present about three 
hundred. There are three active organizations which are render- 
ing valuable assistance, i. <?., a Ladies' Aid Society, a Young 
People's Society and a Band of Little Helpers. A parish paper 
has been found a most useful auxiliary. 

St. Matthew's is the seventh Lutheran congregation in a com- 
munity of 28,000, though but the second in which the English 
language is exclusively used. Its growth cannot be phenomenal 
in numbers, but promises to be steady and substantial. Pastor 
and people labor in entire harmony, and a spirit of hopefulness 
prevails, which, under the blessing of God, is the surest pledge of 
a useful and prosperous future. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 295 

LXIX. CHRIST CHURCH, HARRISBURG. 

BY REV. T. L. CROUSE. 

This church was organized March 23, 1890, at a meeting pre- 
sided over by Rev. D. M. Gilbert, D. D., pastor of Zion Luth- 
eran church, Harrisburg. Sixty-two was the number of mem- 
bers at the time of organization. Sixty of this number had with- 
drawn from Memorial Lutheran church, believing that there was 
room for another Lutheran organization in the eastern portion of 
the city. After the organization, steps were at once taken look- 
ing to the erection of a church building. Soon a piece of ground 
was purchased at the cost of fifteen hundred dollars. In July the 
ground was broken, and on Sunday afternoon at four o'clock, 
August 17, 1890, the corner-stone of the new building was laid by 
the pastor, Rev. Theodore L. Crouse. Rev. E. J. Wolf, D. D., of 
the Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, was present and delivered 
an address. 

The pastor, Rev. T. L. Crouse, was elected April 23, 1890. 
He preached his first sermons to the congregation Easter Sun- 
day, April 6, on which day the first communion was celebrated, 
and several persons received into the church. Rev. Crouse took 
regular charge of the work July 3, 1890. 

All the services of the congregation, including Sunday-school 
and Wednesday evening prayer meeting, were held, for a period 
of about eleven months, in one of the upper rooms of the Web- 
ster public school building, located at the corner of Thirteenth 
and Kittatinny streets. 

March 15, 1891, the church building was dedicated, Rev. W. 
S. Freas, of York, preaching the dedicatory sermon. Rev. H. H. 
Weber, Secretary of the Board of Church Extension, had charge 
of the finances. About sixty-four hundred dollars were pledged 
and contributed on that day. Previously about thirty-six hun- 
dred dollars had been paid in or subscribed, which, with the con- 
tributions and pledges on the day of dedication, covered the cost 
of the building and lot, which was something more than ten thou- 
sand dollars. 

The membership at that time numbered ninety-four. The 
building was set apart to the worship of God by the pastor. The 



296 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

following ministerial brethren took part in the services of the 
day : Revs. W. S. Freas, H. H. Weber, J. W. Richard, D. D. 
(who preached in the evening) and F. L. Bergstresser. Rev. S. 
Dasher was also present both morning and evening. 

Three years' time was given in which to pay the subscriptions. 
The congregation's present indebtedness is something less than 
four thousand dollars. It does not own a parsonage. The con- 
gregation has been self-supporting from the beginning. 

The Sunday-school work was begun one week after the organi- 
zation of the congregation. Two weeks after this, or three weeks 
from date of organization, a Sunday-school was established in a 
school house in East End, about ten squares from the location of 
the church building. Revs. M. P. Hocker, President of the Har- 
risburg Conference, and F. L. Bergstresser, were present at that 
meeting. Mr. W. H. Hoerner was elected superintendent of this 
Sunday-school, which position he also held in the other and older 
school. These schools have an enrolled membership respectively 
of about 325 and 80. 

The Lutheran Observer is read in about forty families, and the 
Missionary Journal pays its monthly visits to a few of the homes 
of the people. The Augsburg Sunday-school literature is used in 
both schools. 

The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor numbers 
about eighty members. It is active and helpful. The Ladies' 
Aid Society, whose history begins with the history of the congre- 
gation, has been instrumental in raising annually a large sum of 
money. Besides helping to pay the indebtedness on the church 
building, this society has been paying the interest on all borrowed 
money. 

LXX. ST. MARK'S CHURCH, CONSHOHOCKEN, MONT- 
GOMERY COUNTY. 

BY REV. J. F. SHEARER. 

In the fall of 1889 Rev. A. H. F. Fischer, pastor of St. Peter's 
Evangelical Lutheran church of Barren Hill, Pa., looking over the 
field of Conshohocken, so long neglected by the Lutheran Church, 
and learning of a number of Lutheran families there, felt the ne- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 297 

cessity of doing something for their welfare. The matter was 
brought before the Philadelphia Conference, by which body it was 
referred to a committee consisting of Mr. Fischer and Rev. M. S. 
Cressman, pastor at Lionville, Pa. They visited the place in 
December, 1889, and secured the M. E. church for the hold- 
ing of a sen-ice two weeks later, at which time the pastor of St. 
Peter's preached. After another interval of two weeks, services 
were again held by Mr. Fischer, and a committee was appointed 
to secure a hall for the purpose of starting a mission Sabbath- 
schocl. The newly-dedicated hall of the W. C. T. U. on Third 
Avenue was procured, and a Sabbath-school was organized, with 
Mr. J. S. Moser as superintendent, while the general pastoral sup- 
ervision of its interests was under the care of the pastor at Barren 
Hill. Preaching services were conducted every two weeks in the 
afternoon by Mr. Fischer, until the February meeting of Confer- 
ence, when arrangements were made to have the ministers of 
Conference serve the mission until the June meeting. 

The mission in the meanwhile made encouraging increase in 
numbers, and on the evening of April 15, 1890, the committee 
called a meeting of the members of the mission in the hall for the 
purpose of organizing a congregation. After the singing of Hymn 
202. "I love Thy Zion, Lord," and the reading of the 84th Psalm 
by Mr. Fischer, Mr. Cressman offered prayer, and then stated the 
purpose of the meeting. The names of twenty-five persons were 
enrolled. The constitution, as recorded in the church-book, was 
adopted seriatim and then unanimously as a whole. The organi- 
zation was completed by electing the following temporary offi- 
cers : President, J. S. Moser ; Secretary, J. J. Becker ; Treasurer. 
1. K. StreeDer. 

On April 22 a meeting of the congregation was held at the 
residence of J. S. Moser, and the name, "St. Mark's Lutheran 
church of Conshohocken,'" was unanimously selected. At this 
meeting the following officers were also elected : Elders. Win. 
P. Ely and J. S. Moser ; Deacons, Eugene A. Fillman, J. J. 
Becker, Mark Staley and Jacob K. Streeper. 

In July Mr. J. M. Francis, a theological student at the Seminary 
at Gettysburg, was engaged to supply the pulpit, which he did 
very acceptably until the first of September, when he returned to 



298 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

the Seminary to pursue his studies. From the first of September 
to the first of December, the mission was supplied with preaching 
by different ministers of Philadelphia Conference. In the month 
of November a call was extended to Rev. J. F. Shearer, of Somer- 
set, Pa., to become pastor of the mission. He accepted, and 
took charge December 1, 1890. 

In November, 1892, one of the most desirable lots for church 
purposes, located on Fifth avenue, at the corner of Harry street, 
was purchased by the congregation, with the view of erecting a 
church building thereon as soon as possible. A building com- 
mittee was selected, consisting of J. F. Shearer, Wm. P. Ely, J. S. 
Moser, J. Warren Schlichter and I. J. Moyer, who at once took 
steps to secure a plan for a church building. The plan submitted 
by Mr. Isaac Purcell, an architect of Philadelphia, seemed in the 
opinion of the committee to be well adapted to the needs of the 
congregation, and was unanimously adopted. 

July 25, 1892, ground was broken for laying the foundation of 
the church, and on Sunday, September n, the corner-stone was 
laid. The Lutheran ministers present on this occasion, and tak- 
ing some part in the service, were Drs. Baum, Albert, Holman, 
Revs. A. H. F. Fischer, S. G. Shannon and J. F. Shearer. Drs. 
Baum and Albert delivered appropriate and impressive addresses. 
The ministers of the Presbyterian, Episcopal, Baptist and Meth- 
odist churches of this place were also present to commend the 
work of the mission. 

The church building is now under roof. It is of Conshohocken 
limestone, beautiful in design, modern in its appointments, and 
universally admired by the citizens of the town. It also compares 
quite favorably with the other churches of the place. It is ex- 
pected that the church will be ready for dedication by the month 
of May, 1893. The membership of the church now numbers 83. 
The Sabbath-school has on its roll 215 scholars, and has, per- 
haps, an average attendance of 150. 

Many of the citizens have manifested their interest in the mis- 
sion by liberal contributions toward the church building. The 
members of the mission are not possessed of great wealth, and 
many of them deserve commendation for the self-sacrificing spirit 
manifested in their efforts to give our beloved church an honored 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 299 

and a commanding position among the denominations of the 
place. Some of our people are among the most earnest Chris- 
tian workers of the town, and are highly respected for their work's 
sake. If the entire indebtedness of the church is to be removed 
in a reasonable time, they will be compelled to ask aid from 
others outside of their own town. Such an appeal would merit a 
patient hearing and liberal response. 



LXXI. TRINITY CHURCH, COATESVILLE, CHESTER 

COUNTY. 

BY REV. W. H. STECK. 

Trinity Lutheran church, of Coatesville, is in large measure 
the outgrowth of Blessing Sunday-school, which was organized 
in an old mill en the property of Paul Blessing, some fourteen 
years previous to the organization of the church. The Sunday- 
school was undenominational, and Mr. John Hope continued to 
be its faithful superintendent from its organization until it was 
merged into the Lutheran church. 

L'p to the year 1890, no special attention had been given to 
the matter of establishing a Lutheran church at this point. For 
some years previous to that date a few individual members had 
wished and hoped for a church of their first love, but, as of the 
original settlers of old Chester county very few were Lutherans, 
these scattered children of the Church of the Reformation had to 
wait long for the full realization of their hopes. 

Early in the year 1890 Mrs. J. A. Hope called upon Rev. M. S. 
Cressman, of Lionville, and secured his services to preach what, 
so far as the record shows, was the first Lutheran sermon ever 
preached in Coatesville. A few months afterwards the attention 
of the Philadelphia Conference was called to this inviting and 
seemingly very promising field, and Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D., Rev. 
B. F. Alleman, D. D., and Rev. M. S. Cressman were sent " to 
spy out the land." Encouraged by the report they brought, the 
Conference appointed Rev. W. H. Steck temporarily as mission- 
ary to look up the field, and report back to the Conference the 
prospect, and whether the opportune time had come for organiz- 



3°° 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



ing a mission in the new field. After a careful canvass of the 
territory, steps were taken to organize at once. 

The organization was effected June 9, 1890. Though number- 
ing only seventeen, there being among the few some made of the 
stuff of which Gideon's three hundred were made, they decided 
to secure a lot and build, their motto being that of other success- 
ful builders : " For we are able." 




TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, COATESVILLE, PA. 

This little determined band proved their faith by their works, 
and on Sunday, November 1, 1891, the corner-stone was laid with 
appropriate ceremonies. Rev. J. M. Steck, brother of the pastor, 
preached the sermon, most appropriate and eloquent, to a large 
audience in the Coatesville opera house. Over $500.00 was 
raised on the day of the laying of the corner-stone. 

The work of building went on encouragingly. Several thousand 
dollars had been subscribed, the Ladies' Aid Society, which had 
been doing splendid work, had raised about one thousand dollars, 
the lot had been paid for, and all were fully convinced that the 
time had come when Lutheranism would have a local habitation 
as well as a name in the town of Coatesville. September 1, 1890, 



SKETCHES OK CONGREGATIONS. 301 

the Home Mission Board appointed Rev. W. H. Steck as their 
regular missionary in the new field, who has continued his work 
as such up to this time, September 2r, 1892. 

On Sunday, June 19, 1892, the church, of which the accompany- 
ing cut is a good representation, was dedicated. Rev. H. H. 
Weber, Rev. A. Stewart Hartman, Rev. J. M. Steck, Rev. M. S. 
Cressman and the pastor, Rev. W. H. Steck, participated in the 
joyous feast of dedication, Mr. Cressman preaching the dedica- 
tion sermon, which was most appropriate and well received by an 
audience that filled the house to overflowing. On the day of 
dedication about $3,500.00 were subscribed, leaving only a little 
more than $2,000.00 to raise upon the lot and new building, 
which cost over $13,000.00. To encourage the little flock in 
their undertaking, the Board of Church Extension has loaned 
them $2,000.00 for five years without interest. 

The following were the church officers at the time of organiz- 
ing : Elders, John S. Hope, Paul Blessing and Fred. Schulmeister ; 
Deacons, H. K. Kurtz, James J. Mentzer and William Mann ; 
Trustees, Richard Strode, John HerTner and August Brunninger. 



LXXII. ST. MARK'S CHURCH, STEELTON, DAUPHIN 

COUNTY. 

BY REV. W. L. RUTHERFORD. 

St. Mark's Lutheran Mission, at Steelton, Pa., although quite 
young in years, is not without a remarkable and interesting his- 
tory. Its birth and nurture are traced back to the untiring efforts 
and patient labor of Rev. E. Daron. For a number of years Rev. 
Daron had been teaching, with great success, a Bible class in 
St. John's Lutheran church, in the same place. While actively 
engaged in teaching this class, which was rapidly growing in in- 
terest and numbers, even to overflowing, circumstances led to 
his retirement from the position. A few weeks later, a com- 
mittee waited on him, tendering a request to organize a Union 
Bible Class. He consented to do all that he could, on condi- 
tion that they should use the International Lessons and submit to 
his accustomed way of teaching, as previously conducted in the 



302 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Sunday-school of St. John's Lutheran church. On the following 
Sunday, a Union Bible Class, thirty-one in number, was organ- 
ized, which on the second Sunday had an enrollment of sixty-two 
members. 

For about six months Rev. Daron taught this class in the 
Red Men's Hall, South Front street. The class then met for 
about one year in the Public Reading Room, No. 144 North 
Front street. During this time Rev. Daron faithfully taught the 
same doctrine and precepts as previously taught in his ministry 
and Bible teaching. In this class were men and women who had 
not attended divine services for many years. The exercises were 
always opened and closed with singing and prayer. While this 
teaching was conducted, the plan of salvation was clearly set forth 
in all its simplicity, and the great value and importance of the 
sacraments — Baptism and the Lord's Supper — were fully ex- 
plained. The necessity of church membership, and the great im- 
portance of Christian activity, were also taught. After a number 
of conversions, a desire was awakened among the members of the 
class to organize a new congregation. A committee was accord- 
ingly appointed to call some minister to preach the gospel. But 
at this juncture all efforts and plans were frustrated by circum- 
stances beyond control, which often cast shadows of gloom and 
doubt on the younger members. 

Early in January, 1891, Rev. M. G. Earhart received an invita- 
tion to preach to the class in the public reading-room. After 
kindly responding, and holding service twice on Sunday, January 
11, 1 89 1, he was urged to return on the following Sabbath. After 
a consultation with the President of Synod, two services were held 
on the Sabbath following, January 18. It was then proposed that 
Rev. Earhart preach regularly, with a view of organizing a new 
congregation in the near future. The attendance and interest 
manifested by the people seemed to justify this move. 

On March 8, after an appropriate discourse by Rev. M. L. 
Deitzler, the new organization was effected by installing a church 
council, and receiving thirty-eight of the Bible Class and fourteen 
by certificate as members of the organization, under the name 
of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, of Steelton, Pa. 

Rev. Earhart served this devoted flock faithfully until De- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 303 

cember 30, 1891, when he passed peacefully away to his eter- 
nal rest. 

On February 21, 1892, W. L.Rutherford, then a student in the 
Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, received a call to serve 
these people. In a few weeks the call was accepted, and on the 
first of June following, he assumed full charge of the duties in- 
cumbent upon his sacred office. 

On June 1, 1892, when the newly-elected pastor took charge 
of this mission entrusted to his care, he found an enrollment of 
fifty-four communicant members. With two losses since then, 
one by death and another by removal, and with sixteen acces- 
sions, the mission has attained a membership of sixty-eight com- 
municants. The growth cannot be rapid under the existing 
circumstances. Compelled to worship in the Grand Army Hall, 
on a third floor, under a tin roof, some idea may be formed of 
the inconveniences incurred. With all the difficulties and ob- 
stacles, however, with which we have to contend, the general in- 
terest is maintained, with a reasonable degree of progress in 
every line of work. The Sunday-school is growing, and has at 
present a roll of 171. 

The Young People's Christian Endeavor Society, recently or- 
ganized, is active and doing a good work. The women of the 
congregation have organized and are working in various ways for 
the mission under the name of " The Ladies' Benevolent Society." 

The salary paid by our congregation is $300.00 per year. 
$200.00 being given by the Board of Home Missions, making in 
all $500.00. 

Comparatively few church papers are taken, but this part of 
the work is improving and will no doubt be satisfactory in the 
near future. 

The progress of our organization has been very much impeded 
by the want of a proper place of worship. We are yet, owing to 
adverse circumstances, without a church home, but we have 
utmost confidence in the future. It would be exceedingly diffi- 
cult for us at present to secure, even at an exorbitant price, a lot 
suitable for our location. This disheartening fact has become 
generally known, but we are earnestly and zealously working, 
knowing that duty is ours and results are God's. 



304 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

LXXIII. CHRIST'S CHURCH, BRIDGETON, CUMBER- 
LAND COUNTY, N. J. 

BY REV. J. EUGENE DIETTERICH. 

Bridgeton, N. J., has a population of about twelve thousand. 
Until recently there was but one Lutheran church in the city, and 
that was German. But there were not many Germans in Bridge- 
ton, and the young people were growing up in the use of the 
English language and desired English preaching, which was de- 
nied them in their own church. - Hence they lost interest and 
many withdrew to other churches or neglected all church duties. 
Then, too, quite a good many English Lutherans were continu- 
ally moving to Bridgeton from other places, and especially from 
Friesburg, ten miles distant. 

These conditions suggested the idea of planting a new English 
Lutheran congregation in the city. Arrangements were made to 
have Rev. J. Eugene Dietterich, pastor at Friesburg, preach in 
the hall of the Cohansey Lodge, I. O. O. F., near the court house, 
on February 1, 1891. The service was held at 4 o'clock p. m., 
aid about one hundred persons were present. The Odd Fellows 
kindly allowed the free use of the hall until a permanent place of 
worship could be secured. Grosscup's Hall, in the centre of the 
city, was then sub-leased from the W. C. T. U. for ten dollars per 
month, and the first sermon was preached there on February 22, 
1 89 1. Mr. J. N. Spence and Mr. Geo. Miller assisted in a can- 
vass of the city, and on Palm Sunday, March 22, 1891, in the 
evening, in Grosscup's Hall, the new congregation was regularly 
organized by Rev. J. Eugene Dietterich, with the following mem- 
bers : Mr. and Mrs. John G. Bauer, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. C. 
Meyers, Miss Linnie Meyers, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Spence, John 
D. Fisher, Win. A. Bauer, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Lutz, Mrs. Kate 
Maier, Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Christopher, Mrs. Mary Maier, Mr. 
and Mrs. Edward Sparks, Miss Minnie L. Miller, Miss Emma 
Bauer, Chas. W. Richards, Miss Susie Cramer. 

A constitution was adopted, and the following council elected : 
Elders, John G. Bauer and F. W. C. Meyers ; Deacons, J. N. 
Spence, John D. Fisher, Wm. A. Bauer and Chas. W. Richards. 

The first communion was held the following (Easter) Sunday, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 305 

at which time Miss Alice Maier, Mrs. Henry Seibert, George 
Maier, Jr., and Geo. W. Finlawwere admitted to membership by 
confirmation. 

Rev. J. Eugene Dietterich, pastor of the Friesburg church, 
was asked to supply the new congregation with preaching until a 
regular pastor could be secured. He consented to do so, and 
until October i preached every Sunday in the morning and even- 
ing at Friesburg, and in the afternoon at Bridgeton. 

The second communion was held May 24, 189 1, at which time 
four persons were confirmed. 

In June, 1891, the Philadelphia Conference of the Synod of 
East Pennsylvania was entertained by the new congregation, and 
passed resolutions endorsing the work and pledging assistance. 

Application was now made to the Home Mission Board of the 
General Synod for help, and that Board made an appropriation 
toward the support of a pastor and commissioned Rev. J. Eugene 
Dietterich as missionary, the commission bearing date October 
1, 1 89 1. The congregation unanimously accepted this arrange- 
ment. Rev. Dietterich resigned his charge at Friesburg and 
moved with his family to Bridgeton. 

Mr. Wm. A. Bauer was sent as a commissioner to the meeting 
of the East Pennsylvania Synod held at Middletown, Pa., Septem- 
ber 16—22, 1 89 1, to ask that the new congregation be received as 
an integral part of that body. It was so accepted, and Mr. Bauer 
enrolled as delegate. 

Because of the interest shown by Rev. G. W. Enders, D. D., a 
former pastor of the German Lutheran church of Bridgeton, and 
because of the assistance which he and his congregation gave to 
the new organization, the congregation voted that he should select 
the name by which it should be known, and he named it "Christ's," 
in honor of the congregation which he is serving in York, Pa. 

The next communion was held January 3, 1892, at which time 
eight persons were admitted to membership, and since that time 
six others have been added. 

The winter's work was greatly hindered by the uncomfortable 
and uninviting condition of the hall, and it was found to be ab- 
solutely necessary that a church be built as soon as possible. At 
an Orphans' Court sale on April 29, 1892, a lot was bought on 






306 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Bank street, near Commerce street, a very favorable location. 
The price paid was $1600.00. A successful effort was now made 
to secure the money to pay for the lot, and application was made 
to the Church Extension Board for help to build the church. 
The Board in reply made a proposition, which the congregation 
ventured to accept, and a plan was at once adopted for the new 
building, bids called for, and the contract placed. 

The corner-stone was laid on Sunday afternoon, October 9, 

1892. Rev. S. G. Shannon, of Philadelphia, preached the ser- 
mon, and was assisted in the exercises by Rev. S. J. McDowell 
and Rev. H. Lisse, of the Lutheran church, and by some of the 
pastors of other congregations in the city. At this service over 
five hundred dollars were secured in cash and subscriptions. 

The work has been pushed rapidly, and the new church will be 
dedicated about January 15, 1893. The building is of frame, with 
slate roof, is Gothic in style, will cost five thousand dollars, and 
will seat three hundred and fifty persons. Quite a number of 
people have signified their intention to become members of the 
congregation as soon as it worships in the new church. There is 
a Young People's Society connected with the congregation, hav- 
ing over fifty members. 

The outlook for the development and growth of the congrega- 
tion is excellent. The church will probably be dedicated free of 
debt, with the exception of the amount borrowed from the Church 
Extension Board, and it is hoped and expected by pastor and 
people to make the congregation self-sustaining by October 1, 

1893, when it will have been on the funds of the Board just two 
years. 



LXXIV. HARRISBURG AND STEELTON CHARGE- 
TRINITY AND ST. PAUL'S. 

BY REV. M. L. DEITZLER. 

On November 11, 1888, Rev. D. M. Gilbert, D. D., pastor of 
Zion Lutheran church of Harrisburg, with a few of his workers, 
organized a mission Sabbath- school at 1038 South Ninth street, 
with Jos. F. Young as superintendent. The school grew rapidly* 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 307 

Within two years three necessary additions were made to the resi- 
dence in which the school was held. The average attendance for 
the first year was 105, for the second 205, and for the third 218. 
The Board of Home Missions appointed Rev. M. L. Deitzler, 
July 1, 1890, to take charge of this work as pastor, in connection 
with St. Paul's mission school at Steelton. On May 17, 1891, 
seven members from Zion's congregation, with thirty-nine others, 
nearly all non-church-members, were regularly organized into 
a congregation. At the end of the first year the congregation 
numbered seventy, reducing the appropriation of the Board of 
Home Missions for pastor's salary from $300.00 to $200.00. 

Trinity congregation was regularly admitted to the East Penn- 
sylvania Synod at its annual meeting in Middletown, September, 
1891. 

The congregation was chartered September, 1892, and wor- 
ships in the chapel where the work was begun. A lot of ground, 
60x100 feet, with the chapel, is the generous gift of Mr. Joseph F. 
Young and wife to the congregation. The mission is now, and 
has been from the beginning, generously supported by Zion Luth- 
eran congregation. 

2. St. Paul's Church, East Steelton, Pa. 

On January 1, 1890, Rev. M. P. Hocker, pastor of St. John's 
Lutheran church, with others of his congregation, organized a 
mission Sabbath-school in a private residence in East Steelton, 
which promised then, and has since proved, to be a true and 
hopeful home mission field. 

November 30, 1890, was dedicated a neat and commodious 
chapel, erected by St. John's congregation for the work, at a cost 
of about $2,000.00. 

Rev. M. L. Deitzler was appointed by the Board of Home 
Missions, July 1, 1890, to take charge of this work as pastor, in 
connection with Trinity Mission, Harrisburg, Pa. 

May 17, 1 89 1, a church organization was effected, with eleven 
members, nearly all from St. John's congregation. St. Paul's 
congregation was regularly admitted to the East Pennsylvania 
Synod at its annual session held at Middletown, September, 1 89 1 



308 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

uniting with Trinity Lutheran congregation of Harrisburg, Pa., to 
form the Harrisburg and Steelton Mission. The congregation 
numbers at present fifteen, while the school has grown from 
twenty to an average attendance of eighty. 

Substantial building improvements, constantly and rapidly 
made on the territory of this mission, present a hopeful prospect 
for the congregation in the near future. 



LXXV. AUGSBURG CHURCH, HARRISBURG. 

BY REV. D. H. GEISER. 

Augsburg Lutheran Church, Harrisburg, Pa., had its origin in a 
mission Sunday-school planted in West Harrisburg by zealous 
members of Messiah Lutheran church (Forster street) in June, 
1890, with W. L. Gardner as superintendent. In less than two 
years the school enrolled 455 pupils, officers and teachers. Its 
sessions were held in Kelker Street Hall. The demand for a new 
Lutheran church in this part of the city was irresistible. Accord- 
ingly the Augsburg congregation was organized January 10, 1892, 
with 98 members, 92 of whom were dismissed for that purpose 
from Messiah Lutheran church, with cordial good wishes. Those 
prominently interested in the new organization had already, 
through Mr. W. W. Davidson, secured from a generous lady the 
spacious lot on the corner ol Fifth and Muench streets for 
$8,500.00. 

The corner-stone of the new church-building on this lot was 
laid June 19, 1892. The first pastor, Rev. Dixon H. Geiser, was 
called from the seminary at Gettysburg, and took charge July 1, 
1892. The church was dedicated November 20, 1892. The 
building is of frame, 90 by 45 feet, and with furniture, gas fixtures, 
steam heat, fencing, etc., cost $6,600.00. It occupies nearly the 
central portion of the ground, leaving a large space on either side 
for further use. The congregation was self-sustaining in every 
respect from the beginning. Its present membership is one hun- 
dred arid forty-nine. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 3O9 

LXXVL EBENEZER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 
CHURCH, BERBICE, BRITISH- GUIANA, S. A.* 

BY REV. J. R. MITTELHOLZER. 

Mission work in the past two centuries has received its im- 
pulse largely from colonization. The Lord has stirred up in the 
minds of mankind enterprises of this character, by which the 
word of truth was to be disseminated, and reach the most distant 
parts of the earth. Early geographical discovery brought to light 
lands and people unknown to the apostles and their immediate 

* Note. — In response to an earnest request from the synodical historian, the 
pastor of our church at New Amsterdam has kindly furnished the following 
brief autobiographical details : 

I am a native of British Guiana, born in June, 1840. My father, Jan Vin- 
cent Mittelholzer, was born in the colony, but of German parentage. His 
father, C. M. Mittelholzer, came to this colony at an early time from Switzer- 
land. Both my father and grandfather were planters. Nor am I aware of any 
of my elder male relatives ever having entered the Christian ministry. 

My own choice of a profession, at first, was that of engineering, which I 
pursued with great zeal for a time. I was then a boy of 14 years. My course, 
however, was providentially diverted. An English missionary, the Rev. H. B. 
Ingram, having seen a small engine of wood constructed by me, took me under 
his personal care- and tuition, with the view of educating me in the higher 
mathematics, so as to fit me more thoroughly for a professional engineer. After 
conducting some examinations in the mathematics, the good English minister 
was taken away from the colony. But I was provided for. Another minister, 
the late Rev. John Dalgliesh (a Scotchman) took me, but he thought it best 
for me to study literature, as well as the sciences, and teach in the schools. I 
now became a teacher of the young, and taught for many years, having suc- 
cessfully passed examinations under the Government Inspector of Schools. It 
was whilst so engaged, in connection with the London Missionary Society, 
that, favorable reports reaching the Directors of said Society, I was by them 
directed to study classics, theology, etc., etc., in preparation for the work of 
the Christian ministry. Thus it will be seen that at the first my education was 
directed for specific objects, and by an all-wise Providence then became 
blended into the work of the Christian ministry, thus qualifying me to work in 
a country like this, where a minister must be " made all things to all men," that 
he may " by all means save some." 

Another incident which I consider most providential in my life is that my 
father and his brother were both of them " postholders " (high military offi- 
cers) under the Dutch colonial government, having command of the Indian 
militia, etc. Thus becoming at an early age acquainted with the ways of 



3IO EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

successors. The discovery of America by Christopher Columbus 
incited the European nations to move westward and southward in 
quest of new fields of industry. As the Christians traveled to 
these newly-discovered regions, they carried with them the 
banner of the Cross, and, planting it on heathen soil, signalized 
to the great foe of mankind that the holy war had reached thus 
far. 

South America as well as North America has seen Jehovah's 
banner unfurled, and the bold armies of the prince of darkness 
gradually retiring before the advancing arms of Jesus of Naza- 
reth ; and, if not entirely, yet to some extent evil is mitigated and 
many souls are saved. 

In the early part of the sixteenth century, Guiana was visited 
by the Europeans. Foremost among them were the Spaniards. 
"Pope Alexander the Sixth, the illustrious ' Borgia,' had, on 
May 2, 1493, issued a bull granting to King Ferdinand of 
Spain possession of all lands which had been then, or might be 
thereafter, discovered to the west of the ideal line drawn from the 
North to the South Pole, starting a hundred leagues west of the 
Azores — discoveries west of this line to be held as belonging to 
Spain, and those in the opposite direction to Portugal. 

" The explanation of the issue of such an edict from Rome is 
to be found in the circumstance, recorded by Washington Irv- 
ing, that ' During the crusades, a doctrine had been established 
among the Christian princes, according to which the Pope, from 
his supreme authority over all temporal things as Christ's Vicar 
on earth, was considered as empowered to dispose of all heathen 
lands to such Christian potentates as would undertake to reduce 

the Indians, and aided by the influence which my father and uncle wielded 
over them, I have been enabled after the lapse of so many years to do suc- 
cessful missionary work among these people. Truly 

" God moves in a mysterious way 
His wonders to perform." 

I have worked hard, and am still working hard every day, to recover for our 
Church the ground which had been lost. May the Lord spare me to see Luth- 
eranism take a firm hold of the country, all the obloquy which our adversaries 
had heaped upon us completely wiped off, and the glory of the Lord fully re- 
stored in his Zion here and in the colony of British Guiana. — J. R. M . 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 3 1 I 

them to the dominion of the Church, and to introduce into them 
the light of religion.' " — Rodway &> Watfs Annals of Guia?ia. 

According to the same authority quoted above, Alonzo de 
Ojeda, who " sailed from Port S. Mary, May 20, 1499," was the 
first who reached the north-east coast of South America, some- 
where about Surinam (Dutch Guiana), and sailed along the coast 
up to the Orinoco and thence to the Island of Trinidad. But the 
great bell, whose stirring tone really inspired European nations to 
make exploration voyages to Guiana and trade along the coasts, 
was the gilded story told by dying Juan Martinez of his journey 
inland, in which he was conducted by Guianians (who had 
rescued him from perishing in the river Orinoco) into the famous 
city, "the houses of which were covered with shining gold, 
stretching as far as his eyes could reach. The place was situ- 
ated on a great lake or inland sea, called Parima, the sands of 
which were golden ; from which circumstance, together with the 
abundance of precious metal he saw in and on the dwellings of 
the people, he named it ' El Dorado.' " 

Whether this visionary city was a mirage or the invention of 
Martinez, his story got abroad into the northern countries, and 
the result was the outfitting of a number of expeditions in search 
of this El Dorado. Guiana became an attractive country. The 
famous Sir Walter Raleigh also made voyages to this region, in 
hope of discovering a supposed remarkable and prolific gold 
mine. Sir Walter really believed in the gold-fields of Guiana. 
Nor was his notion chimerical. Strange to say, nearly three cen- 
turies after Sir Walter Raleigh's first expedition to this land, 
gold is now turning up somewhat plentifully in Guiana, both 
Dutch and British ; and in the latter colony there is a river known 
as the "Barima " (no doubt the ' Parima' of Martinez). If the 
city El Dorado do not turn up, it is evidently showing its golden 
sands. But alas for the thousands who are fast becoming buried 
in that "sordid dust !" Our gold fields are crowded with peo- 
ple from the cities and villages. Again and again the sad tid- 
ings are announced in our papers of the upsetting of boat-loads 
of human freight, and thus precious souls in quest of " gold that 
perisheth " — souls who for gold have long neglected divine wor- 
ship — are being hurried into eternity to meet their God. But 



312 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

what is still more sad, is the fact that there is so much demoraliz- 
ing influence amongst the gold-diggers. 

Guiana, however, did not become a real colony, it appears, be- 
fore the year 1624. 

"By a Grant of the States General in 1602 the Merchants of 
Zeeland, Van Peere, Van Rhee, De Moor, Lampsius, De Vries 
and Van Hoorn were allowed freedom of convoy to their ves- 
sels which were trading to Guiana and the West Indies." 

The first man who is said to have taken firm footing on Guiana 
soil was Captain Gromweagle in 1616. He died in 1664, "having 
governed the country for 48 years." The settlement of Berbice, 
however, was under Abraham Van Peere, the son of Jan Van 
Peere, in 1627. 

Guiana occasionally changed hands, sometimes taken by the 
English, the French, and again restored to the Dutch. It was in 
1 803 that the English took final possession of the entire colony. 

Guiana is divided into British, Dutch and French. British 
Guiana consisted of three colonies, Berbice, Demerara and Esse- 
quibo. These were united into one colony in 1831. Now it is 
entitled the Counties of Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo. 

FOUNDING OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

" It being ascertained in the year 1 743 that there were then 
residing in the colony a number of individuals professing the un- 
altered Augsburg Confession of Faith, it began to be considered 
by them that, although they lived in peace and harmony with 
each other, they nevertheless were like so many scattered sheep 
without a shepherd." 

The colony, now British Guiana, was at that time under the 
Netherlandic government, and the colonists were Dutch as well 
as German. The established church in those early days was the 
" Dutch Reformed." 

These Lutherans felt it desirable to make application to " their 
High Mightinesses, the States General of the Netherlands," for 
permission to exercise religion after the Augsburg Confession. 
They were encouraged in their good desire by the fact that in 
that same year the Lutherans in Surinam (Dutch Guiana, S. A.) 
had succeeded in obtaining from the Netherlands a similar privi- 
lege. 



SKETCHES OF .CONGREGATIONS. 313 

The most energetic spirit in this Lutheran movement was Mr. 
Ludewyk Abbensetts "who, from his unremitting exertions and 
persevering zeal in the cause, may with strict justice be looked 
upon as the founder of the Lutheran congregation in Berbice." 
This gentleman called a meeting of his co-religionists for the 
purpose of considering and adopting measures that might be 
deemed most conducive to the attainment of their object. This 
meeting was convened at his own house on October 15, 1743, 
when it was resolved, " that petitions should be forwarded to the 
Honorable the Court of Policy (the colonial legislature), and to 
the Most Honourable the Directors of the Colony, and their High 



EBENEZER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, BERBICE, BRITISH-GUIANA, S. A. 

Mightinesses the States General of the Netherlands, praying for 
the privilege of the free exercise of their religion ; and that at the 
same time applications should be made by letter to the Reverend 
Consistory, of Amsterdam, soliciting their aid and co-operation in 
this urgent matter, and also their good services in procuring a 
clergyman for the community." 

Respecting the last request, the Consistory advised that the ap- 
pointment of a clergyman should be deferred until the Berbice 
brethren had secured sufficient funds and property for the 
support and maintenance of their establishment. This was, be- 
yond all doubt, a wholesome advice, as matters afterwards amply 
proved. Meanwhile, however, "the Hon'bles, the Directors of 



314 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

the Colony," were pleased to grant their application under the 
proviso — "that the clergyman to be chosen and engaged by them 
should, previous to his departure to the Colony, be presented to 
them (the Directors) for their approbation and confirmation; 
that the expenses of the salary of said minister, and also of the 
church or building to be erected or used for the purpose of 
divine worship, should be defrayed by the members of the con- 
gregation themselves, and not at the charge of the Directors ; that 
they should, moreover, contribute to the ordinary church (the 
Dutch-Reformed) fund equally and in the same proportion as all 
other inhabitants." The collecting of these rates was urged 
rigorously upon the Lutherans in the year 1790, when "the 
Colonial Receiver-General was instructed to proceed summarily 
against them for arrears of acre-money." 

Notwithstanding these hard stipulations, the Lutherans were 
only too much rejoiced at the permission to exercise their re- 
ligion. Their next business was to raise the necessary funds for 
the support of their church establishment. Having obtained per- 
mission of His Excellency, the then Governor of the Colony, to 
convene a regular financial meeting of their body, it was agreed 
upon amongst them that each individual should contribute a sum 
of money at once or annually towards what was required. This 
resolution was so energetically carried out that eight years after- 
wards their favorable report to the Consistory in Amsterdam pro- 
cured the services of the Rev. J. H. Taerkenius. Their first 
pastor arrived in the colony in October, 1752. 

One difficulty was now settled. The next immediately pre- 
sented itself. So connected are the several events of human life. 
In this case there was the lamb, there was the priest, but where 
was the altar on which to celebrate the service ? Funds were at 
hand to meet the minister's salary, the minister was now amongst 
the flock, but where was the church? They wanted to build 
one, but where were the means ? In vain did they apply to the 
local authorities for assistance in this urgent matter. The Lu- 
theran community was, once for all, fully convinced that the 
colonial authorities were determined not to countenance Luth- 
eranism in the colony if they could help it ; hence, if the former 
were to succeed, they must depend instrumentally on their own 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 315 

hands, with the help of God. But ever, as the emergency de- 
mands in all great and good movements, the proper man for its 
promotion appears. In this trying situation one of the members 
of their body, Mr. John Reynhout Reymers, willingly offered his 
spacious mansion for the performance of divine service. 

Notwithstanding all the discouragement they had received at 
the hands of the local authorities, the members of the Lutheran 
church beautifully exemplified their Lord's injunction — " Bless 
them that curse you ; do good to them that despitefully use you 
and persecute you." Having succeeded in building a church with 
their own funds at Fort Nassau, then the capital of the colony 
of Berbice, situated about seventy miles up the river and about 
the same distance from the present town, " they cheerfully allowed 
the use of their church to their brethren and fellow- Christians of 
the Reformed or established church, who had but one place of 
worship, situated at some distance from the town and higher up 
the river." So, also, when in 1763 the great slave rebellion 
threatened the colony with total ruin — for the infuriated slaves in 
their mad career burnt all the houses in the Fort and left stand- 
ing only the Lutheran church and the buildings connected with 
it — the Lutherans permitted their parsonage to be occupied as a 
temporary residence of the Governor, and the out-buildings as 
hospitals for the sick' and wounded. For eleven years' use of 
their buildings the only mitigation of hard feelings against the 
Lutherans was that the government did not press them so much 
for arrears of acre-money. 

Prior to the appointment of a minister, the Lutheran com- 
munity had planned a fairly well organized body of administrators 
for the care of the church properties in course of acquisition, as 
well as for general management of the affairs, correspondences 
with the authorities in Europe, etc. The six persons, under the 
designation of" Directors," were Messrs. Schiermerster, Dietzhold, 
Speelmain, Abbensetts (the founder), Meyners and Rertomis. 
On the arrival of the first minister, the Rev. J. H. Taerkenius, at 
a meeting held October 25, 1752, and at the motion of the 
minister, the 



316 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

FIRST ECCLESIASTICAL VESTRY 

was formed. The minister proposed to re-elect the six directors 
with the addition of " four elders and two deacons out of com- 
petent members well known to the directors," so that they may 
be in accord with the church ordinance. Of these first elders 
elected only one name is given, viz. : "J. L. Van Stoken, etc., 
etc., etc." 

The vestry was elected for two years ; the election took place 
in December, and the installation on New Year's day. It ap- 
pears that the community appointed one of these vestrymen as 
treasurer and book-keeper for one year, at the end of which 
term his accounts must be rendered to the vestry or consistory. 
Likewise, another member was appointed as church warden or 
inspector of the church building. 

Like our tropical climate, with its alternations of sunshine and 
shade, the Lutheran community passed through various vicissi- 
tudes, at times very trying. Within the brief period of twenty- 
seven years four ministers had served, an average service of 
scarcely seven years each. The names, times of arrival, etc., are 
as follows : 

i. The first minister, the Rev. John Hendrick Taerkenius, ar- 
rived in the colony October, 1752 ; died in the colony 1754. 

2. The Rev. J. J. M. Groshmer arrived in the colony May, 
1756 ; died in the colony March, 1760. 

3. The Rev. S. F. Miller arrived in the colony October, 1761 ; 
left the colony April, 1763. 

4. The Rev. J. A. Glendtkampt arrived in the colony May, 
1777; left the colony January, 1779. 

5. The Rev. Junius. 

These clergymen, appointed at the request and guarantee of 
the vestry in Berbice, served up to the year 1840, when it appears, 
failing to obtain any more supplies from Holland, the Berbice 
Lutherans had recourse to offer their pastorate to the Rev. Alex- 
ander Riach, of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Riach was sent to 
Holland to study the Dutch language. At his return to the colony 
and assumption of his duties as a Lutheran, he was to preach 
alternately in the Dutch and in the English language, it being the 
transition period from the former to the latter. In certain times 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 317 

the services were conducted in both the Dutch and the German 
languages. A great interval appears to have elapsed between the 
departure of the Rev. Mr. Glendtkampt and the appointment of 
the Rev. Mr. Junius. The marriage register of Mr. Junius con- 
tains records from 1832 to 1840. Also of Mr. Riach's appoint- 
ment I am unable to give the precise date. But about the year 
1852 Mr. Riach became personally known to me. At this time 
he was in the Presbyterian ministry. Again another great inter- 
val occurred, when the Lutheran congregation was without a min- 
ister for twenty-five years, during which period the Wesleyans 
were permitted to use the Lutheran church, manse and other 
buildings, and were allowed by the vestry the amount of ^100 
per annum to assist their ministry, but this sum was afterwards 
reduced to ^50. 

I shall revert to the state of the Lutheran congregation during 
the Wesleyan gratis tenancy of the church, etc., and shall say 
something about the origin of the congregation's 

CONSOLIDATED FUND. 

About the year 1774, matters became very depressing, and the 
Lutherans were reduced to a condition almost similar to that 
experienced before 1743. Failing to obtain any help from the 
local government, many of their best supporters had become 
poor, and some had returned to the mother country. Matters 
were wearing a sad aspect. Indeed, that same year, " the mem- 
bers of the vestry were obliged to bind their persons and goods by 
a formal deed, as a security for the payment of the minister's 
salary and the fulfilment of other stipulations," before the con- 
sistory in Amsterdam could be prevailed upon to engage and 
send them out a clergyman. 

A project which had been mooted in 1753 was now deliber- 
ately adopted, viz. : to acquire in behalf of the Lutheran com- 
munity, and put into cultivation of coffee, a piece of land, the 
proceeds of which, "by the blessing of God, may afford a more 
certain and permanent source of revenue for the support of their 
church and maintenance of a minister," etc. Messrs. H. J. Buse, 
P. Schwetzer and Nelis Anderson (members of the vestry) were 
in April entrusted with the business of giving effect to the resolu- 



318 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

tion. Having obtained from the Colonial Government a piece of 
land, Mr. Botzen, an elder of their church, undertook to lay out 
the land and put it in cultivation gratis. After the death of this 
right noble-minded elder, Mr. Heilen came forward and took it 
up on the same disinterested principle. As acre-money became a 
very severe pressure indeed, on one occasion, Mr. Janch, 
another of the elders, offered, together with his brother vestry 
members, to pay this money out of their own private means. It 
was resolved to purchase the estate which they had cultivated, as 
a permanent possession of the church, and Mr. Buse, having ex- 
erted his influence in Amsterdam, obtained for the purchase from 
Messrs. J. A. Pool & Co. a sum of 15,000 guilders (the Dutch 
guilder^=40 cents in American currency) . This effort was so blessed 
that in the course of a few years a very respectable revenue was 
insured. After the resignation of the Rev. Alexander Riach, the 
estate was sold, andthe proceeds, toge ther with the amounts ob- 
tained from season to season for coffee, were invested in shares 
in the British Guiana Bank. There was a time when the divi- 
dends amounted annually to five thousand dollars. But this cap- 
ital has been from time to time reduced, and to such an extent 
that the present does not exceed two thousand five hundred dol- 
lars per annum (an amount sufficient to maintain a respectable 
ministry). Of course, this yield in the way of dividends varies 
at times as the money market rises and falls. 
During 

THE WESLEYAN OCCUPATION OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 

as stated above, for the period of twenty-three years, the Luth- 
eran church had died out. Her members were scattered amongst 
the several denominations ; some united with the Presbyterians, 
others with the Episcopalians, the Congregationalists and Wes- 
leyans. When Lutheran services were re-opened in the fall of 
1875 the actual number of Lutherans was twelve. Even this in- 
finitesimal remainder of the grand old establishment became still 
further reduced, so that although several members were confirmed 
by the Dutch Lutheran minister of Surinam (Dutch Guiana), at 
my assumption of this pastorate there were only eleven members. 
The male portion was reduced to four. The church regula- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 319 

tions require that there shall be at least three members to form a 
quorum of the vestry, and it appears that at one time the vestry was 
reduced to that bare quorum, so that had a death occurred among 
them — there being no Lutheran minister to confirm other members 
— the vestry would have become extinct, and the entire Lutheran 
community would have collapsed. This illustrates the evil of allow- 
ing any church to be without a minister for any lengthened period, 
an evil which we trust this congregation will never again experience. 

THE REVIVAL OF LUTHERANISM 

took place in the year 1875. In that year an old and long-stand- 
ing administrator died, owing the church funds a sum not inferior 
to $20,000.00, of which amount $15,000.00 was recovered from his 
life policy. The vestry, by some extraordinary charity, divided 
(of this latter amount) amongst the few membeis the sum of $5,- 
000.00. Great dissatisfaction was created. Some, considering 
themselves unfairly dealt with (although the male members had 
received large amounts of gratuity), made representations to the 
government that the administrators were wasting the Lutheran 
Church funds. At once the government instituted a " Commission 
of Inquiry into the Lutheran Funds." This commission inter- 
dicted any further wasting of the old funds of the church, and 
ordered that " the Lutheran Church should be re-opened, and the 
moneys put to the use for which they were originally intended, and 
thus fulfill the object of the founders." 

The vestry was thus compelled to accept one of two alterna- 
tives, either to do as the commission recommended, or allow the 
church properties to be taken over by the government, and ap- 
propriated to other uses for the benefit of the public. The vestry 
wisely chose the first alternative, and immediately invited Rev. 
John Sauder, minister of the Lutheran Church in Surinam, Dutch 
Guiana, to re-institute Lutheran services. Mr. Sauder came over, 
re-opened the services, confirmed a few new members, added 
one more vestry-man to save the quorum, and advised the vestry 
to endeavor to obtain the assistance of some local clergyman to 
keep up the services at extra- canonical hours, as might be con- 
venient. The vestry then sought my help at extra hours, to 
continue the Lutheran services. Meanwhile, Mr. Sauder re- 



320 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

turned to Parimaribo (capital of Surinam, D. G.). After three 
years' experiment of visits at distant intervals from Parimaribo, 
the vestry passed a formal resolution, empowering the admin- 
istrators to give me the refusal of their pastorate. These admin- 
istrators gave as their reasons for calling on me : first, that they 
were satisfied with my temporary ministrations ; and secondly, 
that, from my being directly descended from the old German 
colonists, a good connection between the past and present would 
be realized in my person. This selection, I was afterwards in- 
formed, gave universal satisfaction. This testimony was borne 
by the Attorney-General of the colony, Sir Wm. Haynes Smith, 
now Governor of the " Windward Islands." 

Matters progressed comfortably (after my confirmation in Sur- 
inam as a Lutheran) for eight years, during which time the 
church prospered and increased. But in the year 1878 broke 
out 

THE GREAT PERSECUTION, 

which culminated in our application to and connection with the 
East Pennsylvania Synod, U. S. A. This marks a very important 
period in the work of Lutheranism in this colony, and therefore 
is worthy of record. 

The year 1878 opened upon this Lutheran Church under the 
cloud of ecclesiastical war. The financial meetings of the vestry 
had been neglected for a number of years, and in vain had I en- 
deavored to induce the administrators to convene a financial 
meeting and lay before the vestry a statement of the church's 
monetary status. At first the chief administrator promised, but 
deferred. The church, the manse, and other buildings were al- 
lowed to run to thorough dilapidation ; and I feared that, should 
things continue so much longer, the church and manse would go 
beyond recovery. My insisting upon a statement of the finances 
being given led to the project of casting me orT, to consummate 
which the administrators, in defiance of the vestry and general 
members, demanded, through a lawyer, my dismissal. The battle 
was now fairly set, and, anticipating what the result for the con- 
gregation would otherwise be — its direct dismemberment — I de- 
cided to resist, and replied to their document that I did not intend 
to surrender the Lutheran church unless it was the wish of the 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 32 1 

majority of the members, and unless compensation were made to 
my satisfaction. 

At a " general meeting" great indignation was expressed by 
members at the unwarranted action taken by the two adminis- 
trators. Their lawyer was now irritated, and resorted to the 
most vehement measures. The vestry had appealed to the Leg- 
islature to institute an ordinance for the protection of the old 
Lutheran properties, which were on the verge of ruin. The 
vestry had also, by a formal resolution, interdicted the bank from 
paying any more of the church's money to the recalcitrant adminis- 
trators, whom the election at the general meeting had replaced 
by other officers.* The prosecuting lawyer also issued a counter- 
manding order to the bank. He appealed to the Legislature to 
be permitted to appear at its bar and plead the cause of his 
clients. I represented the vestry and appeared in prop7-ia per- 
sona, together with our attorney, to resist the church's opponent. 
The Legislature decided for the church. 

The lawyer next appealed to the judges of the Supreme Civil 
Court for an interdict against me. Thus he managed to cause 
delay, and kept matters pending for three long years, trusting that 
being kept so long out of my salary (for the bank was advised to 
pay the moneys to neither party till the matter was settled by the 
judges) I would in disgust vacate the pulpit. We were thus be- 
sieged. But the Lutheran church was still vocal, and all her ser- 
vices were regularly conducted, to the utmost surprise of all 
lookers-on. The Lord helped us. How I managed to sustain a 
large family without a penny of my salary, and, thank God, cheer- 
fully discharge my solemn duties, the Lord only knows. It is now 
to myself mysterious ! 

Just four months before the judges brought the case to hearing 
and decision, the vestry had put itself in communication with the 
President of the East Pennsylvania Synod for recognition. And 
just a week after the three judges delivered their able and learned 

* These newly elected administrators were Messrs. Charles A. Hicken and 
Thomas Campbell Douglass. The other members of the vestry who stood 
side by side with their pastor, and brunted all this attack, were Messrs. 
Michael Floris, James Samuels, Christian Ben and Hugh McDonald, to whose 
fidelity testimony is borne by this record. 



32 2 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

" Decision on the Lutheran Matter" — a decision worthy of record 
in the Church's archives — a letter came from the United States 
announcing our 

RECOGNITION BY THE EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD, 

which led to the consummating event of official connection with 
the Synod. 

This act was the coup de grace to the church's triumph. This 
connection, which was effected September 18, 1890, will be ever 
memorable in this church's history. 

The church now has several missions amongst the Aboriginal 
Indians in the interior amidst their forest homes. They are 
known as Bethel, Mt. Hermon, Mt. Carmel, Bethesda and Mt. 
Lebanon. 

The Lord bless the Synod which came unknowingly but timely 
to the rescue of this distant but not unimportant branch of the 
great Lutheran Church ! May our Zion flourish to the honor and 
glory of her divine Master, whose kind and ever-watchful provi- 
dence had guided her from her commencement, protected her 
amid crushing dangers and changing scenes, and once more re- 
vived and established her ! May she ever prove a satisfaction 
and credit to the venerable Synod with which she is connected. 

And now, "unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only 
wise God," who delivered us from our distress and gave us again 
a lively hope in his work, "be honor and glory for ever and ever." 
Amen. 



STATISTICAL TABLE. 



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REGISTER OF PASTORS 

Who have served Congregations now in connection with the Evangelical 

Lutheran Synod of East Pennsylvania, or those out of which the 

present organizations have grown, showing also places 

and dates of Pastorates within the bounds of 

Synod, as well as dates of Honorary Degrees 

and names of Colleges by which the 

latter were conferred. 



Adams, John Alexander. 

Williamstown, 1 888- date. 
Ahl, Peter. 

Springfield and Nockamixon, 1789- 1797. 
Albert, John Jacob. 

East Petersburg, 1853-1855. 

Mt. Zion, Martin's Creek, and Christ, Centreville, 1 855-1 859. 

Albert, Luther Endress. D. D., Penna. College, 1867. 

Trinity, Germantown, 1851-date. 

Whitemarsh (Supply), 1852. 
Alleman, Benjamin Franklin. D. D., Newberry College, 1885. 

St. John's, Lancaster, 1887-date. 
Alleman, Herbert Christian. 

Millersville, 1889. 
Anspach, Frederick Reinhardt. D. D., Franklin and Marshall College, 
1857. 

Whitemarsh and Barren Hill, 1 841- 1850. 
Anspach, John Melanchthon. D. D., Missionary Institute, Selinsgrove, 
1890. 

St. Matthew's, Reading, 1872-1877. 
Anthony, Jacob Bachman. 

Minersville, 1 874-1 875. 

Schuylkill Haven, 1 875-1876. 
Apple, Benjamin Franklin. 

Maytown, 1 862-1 864. 

(33%) 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 339 

Aughey, Samuel. Ph. D., University of Ohio, 1874; LL.D., Wittenberg 
College, 1878. 

Pikeland (with Lionville), 1 858-1 859. 
Lionville, 185 9-1 861. 

AULD, EZEKIEL ALEXANDER. 

Minersville, i860- 1 864. 
Aurand, Frederick. 

Fisherville Charge, 1872-1874. 

Millersville and Neffsville, 1 883-1884. 
Aurand, Charles Monroe. 

May town, 1 884-1 885. 
Baetes, William. 

Friesburg, 1808-1810. 

Brickerville and Schaefferstown, 1 8 10- 1836. 

Kissel Hill, 1S24-1839, 

Manheim, 1825-1828 (?). 
Baker, John Christopher. D. D., Lafayette College, 1837. 

St. Michael's, Germantown, 1812-1828. 

Barren Hill and Ardrnore, 1 81 2-1 828. 

Whitemarsh, 181 8-1 828. 

Trinity, Lancaster, 1 828-1 853. 
Barclay, Joseph Henry. D. D., Roanoke College, 1876. 

Stewartsville, 1 859-1 863. 

St. Paul's, Easton, 1868 -1872. 

Mission Chapel, College Hill, Easton, 1 870-1 872. 
Barnitz, John Charles. 

Ardmore, 1835- 1840. 

Kissel Hill, 1846- 185 4. 

Manheim (Supply), 1869-1870. 
Barnitz, Frederick Augustus. 

St. James', Ashland, 1 862-1 864. 
Baum, William Miller. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1867. 

Middletown, 1 848-1 852. 

Whitemarsh, 1 852-1 854. 

Barren Hill, 1852-1858. 

St. Matthew's, Philadelphia, 1874-date. 
Baum, William Miller, Jr. 

Phcenixville, 1880- 1883. 
Becker, Daniel Rauscher. 

Palmyra and Bellegrove, i892-date. 
Beckner, Daniel. 

Mahanoy City, 1871-1875. 



340 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Berkemeyer, Ferdinand. 

Friesburg, 185 5- 185 7. 

Berkinstock, John Justus Jacob. 

St. John's, Eastern, 1 740-1 748. 

Berlin, Solomon Jesse. 
Tremont, 1867. 

Bickel, Henry Miller. D. D., Western Maryland College, 1892. 
Chalfont, 1874-1875. 
Chalfont, 1889-1S90. 
Lutheran Observer Office, 1877-date. 

Billheimer, Thomas Charles. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 18S6. ' 
St. Matthew's, Reading, 1877-date. 

Bobst, Isaac Walton. 

Lititz Charge, 1889-date. 
Boyer, Simon Rein hart. 

Kissel Hill, 1 862- 1 864. 
Braas, . 

Greenwich, N. J., 1 777-1 781. 
Breidenbaugh, Edward. 

Jacob's and St. John's, Pine Grove, 1 849-1 852. 
Breininger, John George. 

Fisherville Charge, 1 867-1 868. 
Bricker, Jacob Kissel. 

Fisherville Charge, 1 877-1 879. 
Bridgeman, Augustus L. 

Friesburg, 185 2-1 854. 
Brown, James Allen. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1859; LL.D.,''Wooster 
University, 1879. 

St. Matthew's, Reading, 1 849-1 859. 
Brown, George Gideon Malachi. 

Minersville and Tremont, 1888-1889. 
Brownmiller, Ephraim Stein. 

Union Deposit, 1 874-1 88 1. 
Brunnholtz, Peter. 

Philadelphia, 1745-175 7. 

St. Michael's, Germantown, 1 745-1 751. 

Friesburg, 1 749-1 756 (?). 
Burkhalter (Burke), Israel Calvert. 

Mahanoy City, 1 867-1 869. 

Columbia, 1875-1877. 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 34 1 

Burrell, John Ilgen. 

Stone Church, 1860-1875. 

Mt. Zion, Martin's Creek, 1 860-1 864. 

Trinity, Martin's Creek, 1864-1875. 
Clare, Richard Henry. 

Hamilton Charge, 1 882-1 892. 
Collins, Benjamin Brubaker. 

Chalfont, 187 7-1 881. 
Colson, J. 

Hamilton Charge, 1810-1812. 
Conrad, Frederick William. D. D., Wittenberg College, 1864; LL.D., 
Roanoke College, 1889. 

Messiah, Philadelphia, 1866-1872. 

Editor Lutheran Observer, 1862-date. 
Cook, Herman Sidney. 

Lionville, 1 877-1 882. 

Messiah, Harrisburg, 1 883-1 888. 

COOYER, MELANCHTHON. 

Ardmore, 1890-date. 
Cornell, Nathan Henry. 

Ardmore, 1844- 1848. 

Pikeland, 1 863-1 874. 
Cressman, Mark Stetler. 

Lionville, 1888-date. 
Crist, Jacob Bishop. 

Maytown, 1852-185 5. 
Crist, Isaiah Benjamin. 

Mohrsville, 1 883-1 885. 

Hummelstown, 1 885-1 890. 
Croll, Alfred DeLong. 

Lyons Charge, 1 868-1 876. 
Croll, Philip Columbus. 

Mohrsville, 1879-1882. 

Schuylkill Haven, 1 882-1 892. 

Seventh Street, Lebanon, 1892-date. 
Crouse, Theodore Luther. 

Christ, Harrisburg, i89C-date. 
Crumbaugh, John Samuel. 

St. John's, Lancaster, 1853-185 7. 
Cruse, Christian Frederic. 

Friesburg, 1819-1824. 

St. Matthew's, Philadelphia, between 1818 and 1827. 



34 2 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Curtis, Sylvander. 

Friesburg, 1866- 1868. 

St. James', Ashland, 1868- 1870. 
Cutter, William Isaac. 

Brickerville, 1 875-1 877. 

Lyons Charge, 1877-1878. 
Danner, John A. 

Union Deposit Charge, 1887. 
Daron, Edward. 

Fisherville Charge, 1869- 1872. 

Shoop's Charge, 1 872-1 878. 

Sandy Hollow, 1872-1875. 

St. John's, Steelton, 1 875-1 878. 

Lyons Charge, 1 878-1 880. 
Dasher, Solomon. 

Memorial, Harrisburg, 1872-date, 

Shoop's Charge, 1881-1885. 
Davidson, John Hampton. 

Fisherville Charge, 1 860-1 862. 
Deitzler, Jefferson Mennig. 

St. Peter's, Pine Grove Charge, 1846-47. 

Schaefferstown Charge, including at times Schaefferstown, Strauss- 
town, Mt. Gretna, Womelsdorf, Jonestown, Fredericksburg, Belle- 
grove, Mt. Zion and Hill Churches, 1850-1865. 

Annville, Hill and Bellegrove, 1 865-1 890. 

Seventh Street, Lebanon, and Mt. Zion, 1 866-1 882. 

Union Deposit Charge, 1890-date. 

Deitzler, Martin Luther. 

St. Paul's, Steelton, and Trinity, Harrisburg, 1890-date. 
Delp, William Speece. 

Chalfont, 1881-1882. 
Demme, Charles Rudolph. D. D., University of Pennsylvania, 1832. 

Hummelstown, 1819-1822. 
De Yoe, Luther E.* 

Messiah, Harrisburg, 1 891 -date. 
Diehl, Caspar. 

Hamilton Charge, 1805-18 10. 
Diehl, George. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1856. 

Christ, Easton, 1 843-1 851. 

Riegelsville, 1 850-1 851. 

* Not a true " Initial," but merely a distinctive letter adopted for convenience 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 343 

Diehl, Samuel Sylvester. 

Kintnersville Charge (Nockamixon and Upper Tinicum), 1892-date. 
Dietterich, James Eugene. 

Friesburg, 1 887-1 891. 

Bridgeton, 1891-date. 
Dimm, Jonathan Rose. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1884. 

Barren Hill, 1867-1871. 

Corresponding Secretary Lutheran Publication Society, 187 1 -1 872. 

Messiah, Philadelphia, 1 872-1 874. 

Pikeland, 1880-1882. 

Domer, Samuel. D. D., Roanoke College, 1876. 

St. Matthew's, Reading, 1 869-1 872. 
Dorsey, Edwin, M. D. 

Columbia, i860- 1863. 
Dox, Henry L. 

Tremont, 1876-1878. 
Dunbar, William Henry. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1892. 

St. Peter's, Easton, 1 874-1 880. 

Zion, Lebanon, 1880-date. 
Duv, Jacob C. 

Friesburg, 1837-1839. 
Eakhart, Michael Gordon. 

St. Mark's, Steelton, 1 891 -1 892. 
Early, John William. 

East Petersburg, 1 862-1 863. 

Maytown, 1865-1867. 
Eckert, John Yarns. 

Maytown, 1 876-1 880. 

Xeffsville and Millersville, 1881-1S82. 

Mt. Eden, 1878-date. 
Eggers, Lewis Gustavus. 

Union Deposit, 1 847-1 852. 

Ehrehart, Charles John. 

Middletown, 1856-1865. 

Preparatory Department, Pennsylvania College, 1 865-1 870. 

Ellery, J. Frederick. 

Maytown, 1878- 1 884. 

Ellisen, George Frederick. 

St. Paul's, Allentown, 1 793-1 796. 

Emery, William Sadler. 

Kintnersville Charge, 1 865-1 879. 



344 EA ST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Enderlein, John Michael. 

Springfield, 1 763-1 770C?). 

Nockamixon, 1 766-1 77<d( ?) . 

Maytown, 1 770-1 778. 

Hummelstown, 1 771-1778. 

St. Peter's (Fisherville Charge), 1 795-1 807. 
Endress, Christian Frederick Ludwig. D. D., University of Pennsyl- 
vania, 1819. 

St. John's, Easton, and St. James', Greenwich, 1801-18*5. 

Hamilton, 1 803-1 805. 

Trinity, Lancaster, 181 5-1 827. 
Engel, Samuel S. 

Brickerville, East Petersburg and Kissel Hill, 1870- 1874. 

Fisherville Charge, 1874-1875. 
Engelland, John Theophilus. 

Hummelstown, 1756— ( ?) . 

Middletown, 1 767-1 773. 
Erhard, Amos B.* 

Fisherville Charge, 1 879-1 883. 
Erhart, Julius. 

Jerusalem, Schuylkill Haven, 1 854-1 865. 

Salem's, Pine Grove Charge, 1854-1856 

St. Peter's, Pine Grove Charge, 1854-1855. 
Ernst, John Frederick. 

St. John's, Easton, 1 780-1 782. 

St. James', Greenwich, 1 781-1790. 

Manheim and Maytown, 1802-1805. 

Hummelstown, 1 804-1 805. 
Ernst, William Gotthold. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1839. 

Maytown, 1812-1815. 

Salem, Lebanon, 1815-1836. 

Hill Church, 181 5-1 836. 

Annville, 181 5-1849. 
Evans, William Payson. 

Friesburg, 1 879-1881. 

Columbia, 1 881- 1888. 
Everett, Thomas Thompson. D. D., Washington and Lee University, 1881. 

Messiah, Harrisburg, 1 888-1 890. 
Eyster, David. 

St. Matthew's, Philadelphia (Supply), after 181 8, before 1827. 
Eyster, William Franklin. 

Trinity, Germantown, 1 844-1 851. 

* Not a true " Initial," but merely a distinctive letter adopted for convenience. 



REGISTER OF PASIORS. 345 

Felton, Ephraim. 

St. James', Ashland, 1887-1889. 
Fernsler, Moses. 

Fisherville Charge, 1 863-1 866. 

Berrysburg Charge (including Lykens until 1S71), 1866-1878. 

Schaefferstown and Brickerville, 1878-date. 
Fetzer, Christian Augustus. 

Annville Charge, 1 860-1 863. 

Berrysburg Charge, 1863-1S66. 
Fickinger, Charles. 

Minersville, 1 869-1 870. 
Finckel, Samuel DeVin. D. D., Irving College, 1859. 

Millersburg, about 1832. 

Middletown, 1 837-1 840. 

Trinity, Germantown, 1 840- 1844. 

Ardmore, 1 842-1 844. 
Finkbiner, John William. 

Middletown, 1 872-1883. 
Fischer, August Hermann Francke. 

Barren Hill, 1889-date. 

Conshohocken (Supply), 1889- 1890. 
Fishburn, Jeremiah. 

Berrysburg Charge, 1 883-1 890. 
Fishburn, William Haller. 

Lykens, 1 886-1 887. 

Bethlehem, Harrisburg, 1887-date. 
Fleck, Henry Ramey. 

Stone Church, 1875-1881. 
Fleck, Cyrus Lemuel. 

Riegelsville Charge, (including Upper Tinicum until 1892,) 1887-date. 
Focht, Joseph R.* 

Manheim, East Petersburg and Kissel Hill, 1 864-1 868. 

Millersville, 1867-1868. 

Hamilton Charge, 1869- 1874. 
Frincis, Jacob Milton. 

Conshohocken, 1890. 
Frederick, Christopher Gottlieb. 

Manheim and Brickerville, 1842- 1849. 

Kissel Hill. 1 842-1 846. 
Frederick, Thomas Jackson. 

Snoop's Charge, 1888-1890. 

* Not a true " Initial," but merely a distinctive letter adopted for convenience. 



346 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Friederici, John Andreas. 

Hamilton, 1 763-1 790. 
Friederici, Solomon. 

St. John's, Easton, 1 782-1 798. 
Fritsch, George Washington. 

Lyons Charge, 1 885-1 891. 

Zion's, Ashland, 1891-date. 
Fritz, John Henry. 

Tannersville (Supply), 1 872-1 873. 

Fry, William Engelbert. 

Stewartsville, 1891-date. 
Fuchs, Andreas. 

Mt. Zion, Martin's Creek, 1 837- 1850. 
Geiser, Dixon Hoover. 

Augsburg, Harrisburg, 1892-date. 
Geissenhainer, Frederick William, Sr. D. D., University of Pennsylvania, 
1826. 

Pikeland, 1818-1822. 
Geissenhainer, Frederick William, Jr. D. D., University of City of New 
York, 1863. 

Pikeland, 1817-December, 1826. 
Geissenhainer, Henry Anastasius. 

Upper Dublin, 179 7-1 801. 
Geissenhainer, Augustus Theodosius. 

St. Paul's, Allentown 185 7- 185 8. 
Gerhardt, Leonard. 

Maytown, 1 838-1 847. 

Trinity, Londonderry, between 1838 and 1 850. 

Shoop's Charge, 1 847-1 850. 

Middletown, 1 847-1 848. 
Gerhardt, William. D. D., North Carolina College, 1880. 

Maytown, 1847- 1850. 
Gerock, John Siegfried. 

Trinity, Lancaster, 1753— 1767. 
Geschwind, Levi H.* 

Stewartsville, 1 884-1 885. 
Gilbert, David McConaughy. D. D., Roanoke College, 1880. 

Zion, Harrisburg, 1887-date. 
Gladhill, John Toms. 

Stone Church, 1 889-1 891. 

*Not a true " Initial," but merely a distinctive letter adopted for convenience. 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 347 

Glanding, William Marquard Beetem. 

St. James', Ashland, i88g-date. 
Glaze, Alfred Raup. 

Trinity, Martin's Creek, 1 885-1 889. 

Gordon, 1892-date. 
Glendtkampt, J. A. 

New Amsterdam, S. A., 1 777-1 779. 
Gockelen, Augustus B. 

Pine Grove Charge, 1 839- 1845. 
Goetz, Carl Christoph. 

St. Paul's, Allentown, 1 785-1 788. 
Goodlin, John Walters. 

Millersville, 1 887-1 888. 

Gotwald, Luther Alexander. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1874. 
Zion, Lebanon, 1 863-1 865. 

Gotwald, Washington Van Buren. 

St. John's, Lancaster, 1 866-1 869. 
Graves, Uriel. 

Schaefferstown and Strausstown, 1865-1866. 

English, Pottsville, 1 866-1 868. 
Greenwald, Emanuel. D. D„ Pennsylvania College, 1859. 

Christ, Easton, 1 854-1 867. 
Groshmer, J. J. M. 

New Amsterdam, S, A., 1 756-1 760. 
Gross, Joseph P. 

Hamilton Charge, (including Tannersville from 1834-1836), 1828- 
1841. 
Grossman, Henry Clay. 

Tremont, 1 873-1 876. 

Phoenixville, 1 886- 1 890. 
Hackenberg, Jacob A. 

St. James', Ashland, 1871-1875. 

Chalfont, 1882 -1883. 

Pikeland, 1882-date. 
Haesbert, John F. 

Salem's and St. Peter's (Pine Grove Charge), 1834. 
Haines, George. 

Hummelstown and Union Deposit, 1 854-1 856. 

Manheim and East Petersburg, 1857-1858. 
Halderman, George Washington. D. D., Wittenberg College, 1890. 

Messiah, Harrisburg, 1867-1870. 



34-8 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Hamma, Michael Wolf. D. D., Wittenberg College, 1876. 

St. Matthew's, Reading, 1 866-1869. 
Handschuh, John Frederick. 

Trinity, Lancaster, 1 748-1 751. 

St. Michael's, Germantown, 1751-1757. 

Whitemarsh, 1 753-1757. 

Philadelphia, 175 7-1 764. 

Friesburg, 1760. 

Harding, William Henry. 

Maytown, 1891-date. 
Harkey, Simeon Walcher. D. D., Wittenberg College, 1851. 

St. Matthew's, Philadelphia (Supply), 1834. 
Harpel, Jeremiah. 

Ardmore, 1 830-1 834. 
Harpel, Mark. 

Friesburg, 1833- 1835. 

Ardmore, 1834 or 1835. 

St. Peter's, Pine Grove Charge, 1835 (?)-i836 (?). 

Mt. Zion, Martin's Creek, 1850 (?)-i855 (?). 

Brickerville and Trinity, Londonderry, 1 859- 1 870. 
Hartman, Joseph Franklin. 

Pikeland, 1 876-1 880. 
Hartwig, John Christopher. 

Reading, 175 7-1 758. 
Hassler, John Waldschmidt. 

Chalfont, 185 7- 1863. 

Chaplain U. S. Army, i863~(?). 
Hausihl, Bernard Michael. 

Trinity, Reading, 1 759-1 762. 

St. John's, Easton, 1 763-1 764 (?). 
HavErstick, Henry. 

Ardmore, 1850-185 1. 

Ardmore, 1855. 

Whitemarsh (Supply), 1852. 
Havice, Marcus Hill. 

Shenandoah, 1891-date. 
Hay, Charles Augustus. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1859. 

Zion, Harrisburg, 1 849-1 865. 

Professor in Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, 1865-date. 

Hay, Charles Ebert. 

Fisherville Charge, 1 876-1 877. 
St. Paul's, Allentown, 1877-1890. 
Fogelsville, 1 883-1 884. 
St. Matthew's, Allentown, i89C-date. 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 349 

Hay, Edward Grier. 

English, Pottsville, 1880-date. 
Hecht, Anthony. 

Upper Dublin, 1785. 
Hecht, John Peter. 

St. John's, Easton, 1 81 5- 1845. 

St. James', Greenwich, 181 5-1 837. 
Heck, Jacob Henry. 

Ardmore, 1861-1868. 
Heilig, George. 

Hamilton Charge, 1 841-185 7. 
Heilig, Theophilus. 

Riegelsville Charge, 1 864-1 876. 
Heilman, Lee Mechling. 

Messiah, Harrisburg, 1 873-1 883. 
Heintzelman, John Dietrich Mati-hew. 

Philadelphia, 1753-1756. 
Heisler, Washington Lafayette. 

St. James', Ashland, 1858-1861. 

Minersville and Tremont, 1 883-1 887. 

Shoop's Charge, 1891-date. 
Heisler, Martin Luther. 

Lykens and Williamstown, 1 883-1 886. 

Dauphin (Supply), 1886-date. 
Held, Cyrus Elmer. 

Hamilton Charge, 1892-date. 
Helmuth, Justus Henry Christian. D. D., University of Pennsylvania 1 785. 

Trinity, Lancaster, 1 769-1 780. 

Brickerville, 1 774-1 775. 

Brickerville, 1 776-1 777. 

Philadelphia, 1 779-1822. 
Hemping, John Adam. 

Berrysburg Charge, 1811-1842. 

St. Peter's, Fisherville Charge, 1811-1847. 
Henkel, Gerhard. 

Philadelphia, 1 720-1 728. 
Hexkel, David Melanchthon. D. D., Carthage College, 1882. 

Stewartsville, 185 5-1 859. 
Henry, Elias Strickhouser. 

Jacob's and St. John's, Pine Grove Charge, 1852-date. 

St. Peter's, Pine Grove Charge, 1855-datc. 

Salem's, Pine Grove Charge, 1856- date. 

Tremont, 1853-1860. 



35° EA ST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Henry, Samuel. 

Greenwich, 1868- 1880. 
Henry, George Conrad. 

Berrysburg Charge, 1 879-1 882. 
Hesse, William. 

Trinity, Martin's Creek, 1889-date. 
Hinman, Willis Stuart. 

Columbia, 1888-date. 
Hippee, Lewis. 

Trinity, Lancaster (Assistant), 1856-185 7. 

Whitemarsh, 185 7-1 859. 
Hocker, Martin Peter. 

St. John's, Steelton, 1883-date. 

Holloway, Henry Clay. D. D., Wittenberg College, 1887. 

Middletown 1884- 1889. 
Holman, Samuel Augustus. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1884. 

English, Pottsville, 1 859-1 861. 

Grace, Philadelphia, 1 868-1 873. 

Calvary, Philadelphia, 1874-date. 
Hooper, Philip Stansbury. 

Stone Church, 1 881-1882. 

Phcenixville, 1 883-1 886. 

Lykens, 1890-date. 
Hoover, Francis Trout. 

Maytown, 1 868-1 870. 

St. James', Greenwich, 1880-1883. 
Houseman, John H.* 

Maytown, 1 882-1 884. 
Huber, Ell D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1884. 

Schuylkill Haven, 1858-1860. 

Hummelstown and Union Deposit, 1861-1866. 

Messiah, Philadelphia, 1 876-1 892. 

Professor of English Bible, Pennsylvania College, 1892-date. 
Hufford, Rufus Ward. D. D., Wittenberg College, 1891. 

St. John's, Lancaster, 1 876-1 880. 

Millersville, 1880. 

St. Paul's, Easton, 1880-date. 
Hutter, Edwin Wilson. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1866. 

St. Matthew's, Philadelphia, 1850-1873. 
Illig, T. F. 

Middletown, 1 773-1 788. ( ?) 

* Not a true " Initial," but merely a distinctive letter adopted for convenience. 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 

Jaeger, John Conrad. 

St. James', Greenwich, 1792 — before 1812. 

Springfield, 1 757-1801. 

St. Paul's, Allentown, 1 800-1 831. 
Jaeger, Joshua. 

St. Paul's, Allentown (Assistant), 1 827-1 S3 1. 

St. Paul's, Allentown (Pastor), 1 831-185 2. 
Jaeger, Nathan. 

Lykens and St. Peter's (Fisherville Charge), 1850-1852. 

Riegelsville Charge, 1863-1864. 
Jaeger, Thomas Theophilus. 

Brickerville, 1 850-1 852. 
Jasinsky, Frederick. 

Pikeland, 1811-1815. 
Johnston, Elias Schellhammer. 

Messiah, Harrisburg, i860- 1866. 
Junius, . 

Xew Amsterdam, S. A., 1832-1840. 
Kaempfer, Jacob. 

Manheim, East Petersburg and Millersville, 1868-1S69. 
Kast, Jacob Keller. 

Minersville, 1 853-1 855. 
Kautz, Benjamin Franklin. 

Berrysburg Charge, i89C-date. 
Keedy, Cornelius L.*, M. D. 

Riegelsville Charge, 1861-1S62. 

Barren Hill, 1 862-1 865. 
Keller, Benjamin, 

St. Michael's, Germantown, 1 828-1 835. 

Barren Hill, 182S-1835. 

Ardmore, 1828-1830. 

Whitemarsh, 1829-1835. 
Keller, Jacob B.* 

St. Peter's, Easton, 1886-1888. 
Kelly, William. 

Stewartsville, 1 877-1 884. 
Kingsley, Robert F. 

Chalfont, 1874. 
Kline, Samuel Snyder. 

Hamilton, 1858-1860. 

* Not a true " Initial." but merely a distinctive letter adopted for convenience. 



35 1 



352 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Klinefelter, Frederick. 

Tremont, 1 868-1 872. 

Kling, John. 

Phoenixville, 1891-date. 

Kloss, Daniel. 

Lykens and Williamstown, 1 871-1877. 

Knoske, John. 

Jacob's and Salem, Pine Grove Charge, 1S02-1811. 

Koons, Edward Jackson. 

Whitemarsh, 1 860-1 862. 

Koser, David Theodore. 

Riegelsville Charge, 1877-1887. 

Kraft, John Valentine. 

Philadelphia, 1742. 

Kramer, John Paul Ferdinand. 

Springfield and Nockamixon, 1 801-1803. 
Lykens Valley, i8o5~(?). 
Hummelstown and Shoop's, 1 807-1 80S. 
Maytown, 1 806-1 81 2. 

Kramlich, Benjamin Elias. 

Mohrsville, 1865-1867. 

Krauth, Charles Philip. D. D., University of Pennsylvania, 1837. 
St. Matthew's, Philadelphia, 1 827-1 S33. 
Ardmore, 1 828-1 830. 

Kroh, Herman Frederick. 
Lykens, 1887- 1889. 

Krotel, Gottlob Frederick. D. D., University of Penr sylvania, 1865; 
LL. D., Muhlenberg College, 1888. 
Trinity, Lancaster, 1 853-1 861. 
Annville, 1849-1853. 

Krug, John Andrew. 

Trinity, Reading, 1 764-1 771. 

Kunze, John Christopher. D. D., University cf Pennsylvania, 1783. 
Philadelphia, 1 770-1 784. 

Kurtz, John Nicholas. 

Easton (Forks), 1749. 
St. Michael's, Germantown, 1 763-1 764. 
Upper Dublin and Barren Hill, 1 763-1 764. 
Middletown (or his son, J. D.), 1 788-1 793. 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 

Kirtz, William. 

Upper Dublin, 1757— 1758. 

Salem, Lebanon, 1 775-1 794. 

Jacob's (Pine Grove Charge), 1 780-1 798. 

Hummelstown, 1 781-1795. 
Kurtz, Henry A. 

Hamilton, 1818-1823. 
Kutz, Henry David. 

Dauphin, 1868-1869. 

Shoop's Charge (with Sandy Hollow), 1869-187] 

Laitzle, William Gottlieb. 

St. Peter's, Armstrong Valley, 1 841 -1843. 
Millersburg, Werts' and Salem, 1 842-1 843. 
Union Deposit and Sandy Hollow, 185 2-1 854. 
Trinity, Londonderry, 1854- 1859. 
Maytown, 185 5 -1862. 

Lake, John Welter. 

Friesburg, 1 871 -1874. 

Mahanoy City, 1880-1881. 
Lane, Peter Paul. 

Berrysburg Charge, 1861-1862. 
Lazarus, George Miller. 

Chalfont, 1 869-1 871. 
Leeser, John Henry. 

Trinity, Martin's Creek, 1875-1877. 

Hummelstown, 1877-1885. 
Lehman, Daniel. 

Trinity, Reading, 1 779-1 780. 

Trinity, Reading, 1 796-1 801. 
Lenhart, Edwin. 

Mohrsville (Womelsdorf Charge), 1878-1879. 

Lentz, Alexander W t iley. 

Friesburg, 1882-1886. 

Millersville, 1 889-date. 
Leopold, Owen. 

Fogelsville, 1 861-1874. 

Leps, John Christian. 

St. Paul's, Allentown, between 1778 and 1785. 

Lei term an, Henry Alexander. 
Dauphin, 1882-1886. 
Fisherville Charge, 1886-1889. 



353 



354 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Lewars, William Henry. 

Lyons, 1881-1882. 

Mahanoy City, 1882-1886. 

Lititz and Kissel Hill, 1 886-1 889. 

Neffsville, 1888- 1889. 

Palmyra (Supply), 1 890-1 892. 

Annville and Hill Church, 1890-date. 
Link, Adam Schindler. 

Hummelstown and Union Deposit, 1858-1861. 
Lochman, George. D. D., Allegheny College, 181 9. 

Salem, Lebanon, 1 794-181 5. 

Hill Church, near Annville, 1 794-181 5. 

Annville, 1 804-1 81 5. 

Zion, Harrisburg, 181 5-1 826. 

Middletown, i8i5-i826(?). 

Shoop's Church, 181 6-1 826. 
Lochman, Augustus Hoffman. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1856. 

Zion, Harrisburg, 1 827-1 836. 

Shoop's, 1826-1835. 

Middletown, 1826-1830. 

Dauphin, 1830. 
Luckenbach, William Henry. D. D., Wittenberg College, 1888. 

English, Pottsville, 185 7- 1859. 
Mack, Peter Stauffer. 

Hummelstown, 1873-1877. 
Maier, Daniel. 

Oberlin, 1852-1855. 
Main, John Harry. 

Grace, Philadelphia, 1891-date. 
Manhart, Frank Pierce. 

All Saints', Philadelphia, 1889-date. 
Marcley, Orlando Daniel Stevens. 

St. James', Ashland, 1 875-1 878. 

Gordon, 1876-1878. 
Martin, Jacob. 

Berrysburg Charge, 1 852-1 853. 
Martz, George Jacob. 

Shoop's, Swatara, Dauphin, Sandy Hollow and Wenrich's, 1 855-1 868. 

Schaefferstown, Womelsdorf, Strausstown, Myerstown and Richland, 
1868-1878. 

Tremont, 1878-1880. 

Union Deposit, Sandy Hollow and Sand Hill, 1882- 1883. 

Lyons, Macungie and Salem, r89i-date. 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 355 

McAtee, John Quincy. 

English, Pottsville, 1871-1877. 

Minersville, 1 872-1 874. 

Minersville, 1875-1877. 

Barren Hill, 1 883-1 888. 
McCron, John. D. D., Roanoke College, 1857. 

Pikeland, 1843-1847. 

St. James', Greenwich, 1847-185 1. 

Stewartsville, N. J., (?)-i85i. 

Riegelsville, 1 850-1 851. 

Pottsville, 1 878-1 880. 
McDowell, Samuel James. 

Friesburg, 1892-date. 
McGann, Isaac Henry. 

Stone Church, 1892-date. 
McKnight, Harvey Washington. D. D., Monmouth College, Ills., 1883; 
LL. D., Lafayette College, 1 890. 

St. Paul's, Easton, 1872- 1880. 

President of Pennsylvania College, 1884-date. 
Mealy, Stephen A. 

St. Matthew's, Philadelphia, between 1838 and 1841. 
Medtart, Jacob. 

St. Matthew's, Philadelphia, 1 834-1 838. 
Meister, Emil. 

St. Stephen's, Lancaster, 1880-date. 
Melchor, Oliver Hoffman. 

Springfield, Durham and Springtown, 1879-date. 
.. Nockamixon, 188C-1892. 
Melsheimer, Frederick Theodore. 

Maytown, 1 784-1 801. 

Hill Church, near Annville, 1 779-1 794. 

Shoop's, 1 783-1 788. 

Manheim, 1 783-1 789. 
Menges, John Hershey. 

Columbia, 1 849-1 860. 

Manheim, 1 849-1 851. 

East Petersburg, 1849-185 2. 

East Petersburg, 185 5-1 85 7. 

Grace, Philadelphia, 1878-1891. 

Zion's, Manheim, 1891-date. 
Mennig, George. 

Jacob's and Salem (Pine Grove Charge), 1811-1833. 

St. Peter's (Pine Grove Charge), 1816-1833. 

Jerusalem, Schuylkill Haven, 1821-1836. 



35^ EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Mennig, William Goepfert. 

Jacob's and Salem (Pine Grove Charge), 1834- 1839. 

St. Peter's, 1 837-1 839. 

Pottsville, 1 834-1 859. 

Minersville, 1 839-1 858. 

Jerusalem, Schuylkill Haven, 1 836-1 851. 

St. Paul's, Schuylkill Haven, 1 837-1 859. 

Port Carbon, 1841-1857. 

St. Paul's, Allentown, 1859-1877. 

Fogelsville, 187 7- 1883. 

Lyons Charge (Supply), 1882. 
Mensch, John Nicholas. 

Springfield and Nockamixon, 1 803-1 823. 

Durham, 1811-1823. 
Miller, S. F. 

New Amsterdam, S. A., 1 761-1763. 
Miller, Jacob S. 

Nockamixon, 1773-1789 ( ?). 
Miller (Moeller), Henry. 

Trinity, Reading, 1775. 

Ardmore, 1 786-1 787. 

Zion, Harrisburg, 1 795-1803. 

Middletown, 1 795-1803. 

Shoop's, 1 796-1803. 
Miller, Henry Seipel. 

Springfield and Durham, 1 823-1 838. 

Nockamixon, 1823-1838 (?). 

Annville, 1 854-1859 (?). 
Miller, Jacob — . D. D., University of Pennsylvania, 183^. 

Trinity, Reading, 1 829-1 850. 
Miller, Christian Philip. 

Brickerville and Manheim, 1 836-1 841. 

Kissel Hill, 1 839-1 841. 
Miller, Charles Peter. 

Springfield and Durham, 1842-1865. 

Nockamixon, 1842-1865 (?). 
Miller, Daniel. 

Greenwich, 1 837-1 847. 

Pik eland, 1 847-1 849. 
Miller, Walter. 

Shenandoah, 1883-1885. 
Mittelholzer, John R. 

New Amsterdam, S. A., 1875-date. 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 35 7 

Morell, Elijah Steward. 

Chalfont, 1 883-1 888. 
Norwood, 1888-date. 

Muhlenberg, Henry Melchior. D. D., University of Pennsylvania, 1784. 
Philadelphia and Germantown, 1 742-1 745. 
Lionville, (Vincent) 1744. 
Easton (Forks), 1749. 
Pikeland, 1 751-1770. 
Upper Dublin, 1754— 1757. 
Upper Dublin, 1 762-1 763. 
Barren Hill, 1 759-1 769. 
Barren Hill, 1 776-1 786. 
Friesburg, 1760. 
Philadelphia, 1 761-1774. 
Brickerville (Warwick), 1 770-1 773. 

Muhlenberg, John Peter Gabriel. 

St. James', Greenwich, 1 770-1 773. 

Muhlenberg, Frederick Augustus Conrad. 
Manheim, 1 771-1778. 
Salem, Lebanon, 1 773—1775- 

Muhlenberg, Gotthilf Henry Ernst. D. D., Princeton College, 1787. 

Philadelphia, 1 771-1779. 

Barren Hill, 1776 (?) -1780 (?). 

Trinity, Lancaster, 1780-1815. 
Muhlenberg, Henry Augustus. 

Trinity, Reading, 1 803-1 829. 

Naesman, Gabriel. 

Friesburg, 1 743-1 745. 

Xeff, Isaac P.,* M. D. 

Minersville and Tremont. 18S0-1881. 
Shenandoah, 1881-1883. 

Xiemyer, Frank. 

Hamilton, 1 790-1803. 

NlTTERAUER, CORNELIUS. 

Dauphin, 1851-1853. 
Palmer. Samuel S.* 

Pikeland, 1874-1875. 

Phoenixville, 1875- 1880. 
Pentz, Peter. 

Middletown, 1793— 1795. 

*Xot a true " Initial," but merely a distinctive letter adopted for convenience. 



358 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Peter, Jacob. 

Manheim and Londonderry, 1872-1891. 

East Petersburg, 18 74-1 891. 

Kissel Hill, 1874- 1886. 

Neffsville, 1 880-1 881. 

Lititz, 1 885- 1 886. 

East Petersburg Charge, 1 891 -date. 
Peterson, John Dietrich. 

Zion, Harrisburg and Middletown, [803-1812. 

St. Peter's (Fisherville Charge), 1807-1811. 
Plitt, Frederick. 

Pikeland, 1804-1807 (?). 
Plitt, John Keller. 

St. James', Greenwich, 1851-1865. 

Stewartsville, 1851-1855. 
Porr, William S.* 

Annville, 1 859-1 860. 

Brickerville, 1874- 18 75. 

St. Stephen's, Lancaster, 1874- 1880. 

Millersville, 1 875-1 880. 

St. John's, Steelton, 1 880-1 882. 
Pritchard, Thomas Charles. 

Barren Hill, 1871-1883. 

St. James', Greenwich, 1883-date. 
Probst, John Frederick. 

Hummelstown, 1856-1858. 
Pyrlaeus, John Christopher. 

Philadelphia, 1742. 
Raby, Peter. 

Pikeland and Lionville, 1 849-1 85 8. 

Middletown, 1 865-1 872. 

Grace, Philadelphia, 1 874-1876. 
Reed, Dayid E.* 

Lyons, 1 880-1 881. 
Rees, Charles. 

Manheim and Brickerville, 1854-185 6. 

Kissel Hill, 1855-1856. 
Reimensnyder, Cornelius. 

Pikeland, 1859-1863. 

Columbia, 1863-1865. 
Reinmund, Jacob Frederick. D. D., Wittenberg College, 1876. 

Zion, Lebanon, 1 872-1 880. 

* Not a true " initial," but merely a distinctive letter adopted for convenience. 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 359 

Rentz, William Frazenius. 

Lionville, 1 882-1 888. 
Reynolds, William Morton. D. D., Jefferson College, 1850. 

Friesburg, 1835-1837. 
Rhodes, George Martin. 

Columbia, 1870-1874. 
Rhodes, Mosheim. D. D., Wittenberg College, 1878. 

Zion, Lebanon, 1867-1872. 
Riach. Alexander. 

New A_msterdam, S. A., about 1852. 
Richards, John William. D. D., Jefferson College, 1852. 

St. Michael's, Germantown, 1 836-1 845. 

St. John's, Easton, 1845-185 1. 
Richards. Matthias Henry. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1889. 

St. James', Greenwich, 1 865-1 868. 
Rightmyer, Peter Moses. 

Chalfont, 1 863-1 868. 

Friesburg, 18 74- 1879. 
Rizer, Peter. 

Hummelstown and Union Deposit, 1866-1873. 

Stewartsville, 1873-1877. 
Roedel, William Diller. 

Ardmore, 1851-1855. 
Roeller, Isaac. 

Fogelsville, 1835-185 1. 
Romig, Moses S.* 

Williamstown, 1 886-1 888. 

ROSENMILLER, DAVID PORTER. 

Kissel Hill, 1 85 7- 1 862. 

Manheim, i858-(?). 

Dauphin, 1 870-1880. 
Roth, John Joseph. 

St. Paul's, Allentown, 1 763-1 764. 
Roths, George. 

Hamilton Charge, 1874- 1882. 
Rowenach, J. 

Pikeland, i8o7(?)-i8ii ( ?). 
. Rueter, Adelbert Charles RODERIC( ). 

East Petersburg, 185 2- 185 3. 
Rumpf, Adolphus. 

St. Mark's (Hamilton Charge), 1857-1858. 

r Not a true " Initial," but merely a distinctive letter adopted for convenience. 



360 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Rupert, Peter. 

Hamilton Charge, 181 2-1 81 8. 

Hamilton Charge, 1 823-1 828. 
Rupley, Daniel E. 

Ashland and Gordon, 1 878-1 879. 
Rutherford, William Lincoln. 

St. Mark's, Steelton, 1892-date. 

RUTHRAUFF, JOHN FREDERICK. 

Manheim, before 1825. 

RUTHRAUFF, FREDERICK. 

May town, 1 828-1 832. 
Manheim, i828(?)-i832. 
Pikeland, 1836- 1843. 
Lionville, 1 838-1 843. 

RUTHRAUFF, FREDERICK JONATHAN. 

Salem, Lebanon, 1 836-1 844. 

Zion, Lebanon, 1 844-1 849. 

Hill Church, near Annville, 1836- 1849. 

Schaefferstown, 1837-1849. 

RUTHRAUFF, WlLLIAM PATTON. 

Christ, Easton, 1867-1870. 
Sadtler, J. P., Benjamin. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1867. 

Jacob's and St. John's, Pine Grove Charge, 1 845-1 849. 

Salem's, Pine Grove Charge, 1 846-1 848. 

Tremont, 1 847-1 849. 

Middletown, 185 3- 185 6. 

St. John's, Easton, 1 856-1 862. 
Sahm, Peter. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1869. 

Manheim, 1833-1835. 

Maytown, 1833-1837. 

Middletown, 1 834-1 837. 
Sample, James Reed. 

Mahanoy City, 1887. 
Sandt, Charles Milton. 

Gordon, 1888-1891. 

Easton (resident), 1891-date. 
Schaeffer, Frederick David. D. D., University of Pennsylvania, 181 3. 

Zion, Harrisburg, 1 788-1 790. 

Shoop's, 1 788-1 796. 

St. Michael's, Germantown, 1790-18 12. 

Barren Hill, 1790-18 12. 

Ardmore, 1790-18CO. 

Upper Dublin, 1801-1810. 

Zion's and St. Michael's, Philadelphia, 1812-1834. 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 36 1 

Schaeffer, Frederick ('hristiax. D. D., Columbia College, 1830. 

Zion, Harrisburg, Shoop's and Middletown, 1812-1815. 
Schaeffer, Charles Frederick. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1850. 

Ardmore (while student), 1 828-1 830. 

St. John's, Easton, 1851-1856. 
Schaeffer, Charles William. D. D., Pennsylvania College. 1852: LL. D., 
Thiel College, 1887. 

Whitemarsh and Barren Hill, 1 835-1 841. 

Zion, Harrisburg, 1 841- 1 849. 
Schaum, John Helfrich. 

Upper Dublin, 1 758-1 762. 
Scheurer, Peter. 

Hummelstown, 1822-before 1830. 
Schindel, Jeremiah. 

St. Peter's (Fisherville Charge), 1843- 184 5. 

Fogelsville, 1851-1858. 
Schindler, Daniel. D. D., Lebanon Valley College. 1882. 

Zion, Lebanon, 1865-1867. 
Schmidt, John Frederick. 

St. Michael's, Germantown, 1 769-1 786. 

Upper Dublin and Ardmore, 1 769-1 785. 

Barren Hill, I769~(?). 

Philadelphia, 1 786-1812. 
Schmidt, Augustus Herman. 

Springfield, after 1766-before 1789. 

Xockamixon, 1798. 

Easton, 1 799-1801. 
Schmucker, Beale Melanchthon. D. D., University of Pennsylvania, 1870. 

St. Paul's, Allentown, 1 85 2- 1 85 5. 

St. John's, Easton, 1862-186 7. 
Schock, James L(a\vrence?). D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1863. 

St. Matthew's, Reading, 1 842-1 849. 
Scholl, William Nace. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1866. 

Trinity, Germantown, 1 836-1 840. 
Schrenk, Rudolph. 

St. John's, Easton, 1 749-1 754. 

SCHROEDER, JOHN DANIEL. 

Manheim, 1 778-1 782. 
Brickerville, 1 780-1 781. 
Barren Hill, 1 776-1 782(7). 

SCHUHMACHER, DANIEL. 

Reading, 1 754-1 755. 



362 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Schultze, John Christian. 

Philadelphia, 1 732-1 733. 
Schultze, Christopher Emanuel. 

Philadelphia, 1 765-1 770. 

Barren Hill (Assistant), 1 765-1 769. 

Brickerville and Schaefferstown, 1 765-1809. 

Schultze, John Andrew Melchior. 

Jacob's, Pine Grove Charge, 1798- 1802. 

Salem's, Pine Grove Charge, 1 799-1 802. 

Lykens Valley, about 1800. 
Schwarback, John. 

Brickerville, 1 775-1 776. 
Scriba, Henry. 

Manheim, 1807. 
Secrist, Levi Krone. 

Fisherville Charge, 1855-1858. 
Seifert, Henry. 

Hamilton Charge, 1 860-1 869. 

Sell, Daniel. 

Berrysburg Charge, 1 853-1 860. 
Sell, Edward Herman Miller. M. D., 1866. 

Fogelsville, 1 859-1 861. 
Sentman, Solomon. 

Barren Hill, 1858-1862. 

Lionville, 1863-1870. 

Principal Preparatory Department, Pennsylvania College, 1870-1871. 

Shannon, Samuel Galbraith. 

Bethany, Philadelphia, 1889-date. 

Shatto (Shadow), Martin Van Buren. 

Fisherville Charge, 1 884-1 885. 

Shoop's Charge, 1885-1887. 
Shearer, Jacob Ferrell. 

St. Mark's, Conshohocken, 1890-date. 

Sheeleigh, Matthias. D. D., Newberry College, 1885. 

Minersville, 185 7-1 859. 

Stewartsville, 1 864-1 869. 

Whitemarsh, 1869-date. 
Shertz, Alexander Hamilton. 

Maytown, 1885- 1890. 
Shetler, Daniel Augustus. 

Shenandoah, 1S86-1888. 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 363 

Shindle, Henry Clay. 

Minersville, 1864- 1868. 

Shoffner, John Rufan. 

Lionville. 1 871-1876. 

Sikes, James Robert. 

St. James', Ashland, 1864- 1867. 

Stewartsville, 1 869- 1 872. 
Si el, George. 

Whitemarsh, 1863-1869. 

Chalfont, 1890-date. 

Singm aster, John Alden. 

Schuylkill Haven, 1876-1882. 

Lyons Charge, 1 882-1 885. 

Macungie Charge, 1 885-1 886. 

Mohrsville, 1 876-1 878. 

Fogelsville, 1884-1886; 1891-date. 

St. Paul's, Allentown, 1890-date. 
Smith, Charles. 

Christ, Easton, 1 851-1854. 
Smith, William H., M. D. 

Ardmore, 1 848-1 850. 

Whitemarsh and Barren Hill, 1 850-1852. 
Snyder, Henry Gelwix. 

Hummelstown, 1890-date. 
Sondhaus, Martin. 

Trinity, Londonderry, 1854. 

Maytown, 1855. 

Sprecher, Samuel. D. D., Washington College, J850; LL.D., Pennsylvania 
College, 1874. 

Zion, Harrisburg,' 1 836-1 840. 
Staley, Frederick Walpole. 

Schuylkill Haven (Supply), 1876. 

Columbia, 1 877-1 881. 

Trinity, Martin's Creek, 1881-1885. 

Middletown, 1890-date. 
Stall, Sylvan rs. 

Trinity, Martin's Creek, 1 87 7-1 880. 

St. John's, Lancaster, 1 881-1887. 

Stecher, Henry George. 

Hummelstown, 1830-1854. 
Shoop"s. 1836-1S47. 



364 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Steck, Daniel. D. D., Roanoke College, 1874. 
English, Pottsville, 1847-1857. 
English, Pottsville, 1868-1870. 
Schuylkill Haven, 1851-1857. 
Minersville, 1851-1853. 
St. John's, Lancaster, 1858-1862. 

Steck, Jacob. 

Minersville, 185 5- 185 7. 
Steck, John McLean. 

Mahanoy City, 1 875-1 880. 
Steck, William Henry Harrison. 

Columbia, 1865- 1870. 

Ardmore, 1 874-1 890. 

Coatesville, 1890-date. 
Steck, Augustus Reincehl, 

Stewartsville, 1 886-1 891. 
Stelling, George Frederick. D. D., Pennsylvania, College, 1874. 

Zion, Harrisburg, 1 865-1 875. 
Stine, Milton Henry. 

Maytown, 1 880-1 882. 

Seventh Street, Lebanon, 1 883-1 892. 
Stock, Daniel. 

Maytown, 1871-1873. 
Stoever, John Caspar. 

Brickerville, 1 730-1 743. 

Philadelphia, 1733. 

Hill Church, near Annville, 1 733-1 779. 

Near Lebanon, 1733— (?). 

Trinity, Lancaster, 1 736-1 740. 

Brickerville, 1 777-1 779. 
Stoever, Charles Franklin. 

St. Peter's (Fisherville Charge), 1845- 1850. 

Lykens (occasionally), 1845-1850. 

Millersburg and Killinger, 1846- 185 2. 

Dauphin, before 1849-1852. 

Shoop's, 1 850-1 854. 
Stork, Theophilus. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 185 1. 

St. Matthew's, Philadelphia, 1841-1850. 
Stover, Jacob Monroe. 

Fisherville Charge, 1890-date. 
Strauss, Abraham Mill. 

Tannersville, 1875-1883. 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 365 

Strein, John Jacob. 

Maytown, 1815-1825. 
Streit, Christian. 

Easton, 1 769-1 779. 

St. James', Greenwich, 1 773-1 777. 
Streiter, John Philip. 

Philadelphia (not ordained), 1737. 
Studebaker, Albert Hedges. D. D., Wittenberg College, 1891. 

Zion, Harrisburg, 1 881-1886. 

SUESSEROTT, BENJAMIN CHRISTIAN. 

Whitemarsh, 1856-1757. 

St. John's, Lancaster, 1 870-1 876. 

Millersville, 1870-1875. 
Swartz, Joel. D. D., Wittenberg College, 1868. 

Messiah, Philadelphia, 1874-1875. 

Zion, Harrisburg, 1 875-1880. 
Swope, David. 

Whitemarsh, 1 855-1 856. 
Taerkenius, John Hendrick. 

New Amsterdam, S. A., 1 752-1 754. 
Thrall, William Gardner. 

Gordon, 1886-1887. 
Titus, Timothy Tilghman. 

Ardmore, 185 6-1 861. 
Tompkins, Frank P. 

Messiah, Harrisburg, 1 870-1 873. 
Town, Edward. 

Friesburg, 1839. 

Ardmore, 1 840-1 842. 
Tranberg, Peter. 

Friesburg, 1 726-1 743. 
Trauger, Jordan Calfe. 

Minersville and Tremont, 1890-date. 
Treibley, Daniel Benjamin. 

Shenandoah, 1 889-1 891. 
Trowbridge, Charles Reuben. 

St. Peter's, Easton, 1888- 1892. 
Trump, Charles Samuel. 

Stone Church, 1 883-1 888. 
Ulery, Christian Detrich. 

Lionville, 1 861-1862. 



366 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Unruh, John Nicholas. 

Friesburg, 185 8- 1866. 

Valentine, Milton. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1866; LL.D., Witten- 
burg College, 1886. 

St. Matthew's, Reading, 1 859-1 866. 

Valentine, Milton Henry. 

Messiah, Philadelphia, 1892-date. 

Van Buskerk, Jacob. 

St. Michael's, Germantown, 1 766-1 769. 

Ardmore, Upper Dublin and Barren Hill, 1 765-1 769. 

St. Paul's, Allentown, 1 769-1778. 

Upper Dublin, 1 785-1 795. 

Vanhoff, John Henry. 

Hummelstown, i8ii-(?). 
Middletown, 1 830-1 834. 

Vogelbach, Jacob Traugott. 

Middletown, 1 844-1 847. 

Oberlin, 1 845-1 847. 

Oberlin, 1850-185 2. 

St. Paul's, Allentown, 1852-1857. 

Voigt, John Ludwig. 

St. Michael's, Germantown, 1 764-1 765. 

Upper Dublin and Barren Hill, 1764- 1765. 

Pikeland, 1 779-1 793. 
Wagner, Reuben Schuler. 

East Petersburg, 1 847-1 849. 

Walter, Clinton Elmer. 

Trinity, Germantown, (Assistant), 1892-date. 

Waltz, Frederick. 

Jerusalem, Schuylkill Haven, 1 852-1 854. 

St. Peter's, (Fisherville Charge), 1 855-1 869. 
Wampole, Jacob. 

Pikeland, 1 827-1 836. 

Lionville, 1833 -1836. 
Warner, Adam Nicholas. 

Minersville, 1878- 1879. 
Waters, James Quigley. 

Barren Hill, 1 865-1 867. 
W atkins, Horatio James. 

Ardmore, 1 869-1874. 



REGISTER OF PASTORS. 367 

Weaver, George Peter. 

Berrysburg Charge, 1 862- 1 863. 

Annville and Hill Church, 1863-1864. 

Schuylkill Haven, 1864- 1866. 

Maytown, 1 873-1 875. 
Weber, John Jacob. 

Zion's, Ashland, 185 7-1 891. 
Weber, James Henry. D. D., Wittenberg College, 1891. 

St. James', Ashland, 1879-1887. 

Gordon, 1879-1886. 
Wedekind, Augustus Charles. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1867. 

Zion, Lebanon, 1850-1863. 

Hill Church, near Annville, 1850-1853. 

Bellegrove, i850-(?). 

St. John's, Lancaster, 1863-1865. 
Weinland, John Frederick. 

St. Michael's, Germantown, 1 786-1 789. 

Barren Hill, 1 786-1 789. 

Ardmore, 1 787-1 789. 

Pikeland, 1 790-1 800. 
Weiser, Reuben Benjamin. D. D., Pennsylvania College, 1876. 

Mahanoy City, 1 869-1 871. 

Minersville, 1870-1872. 
Welden, Christian Frederick. D. D., Muhlenburg College, 1889. 

Springfield, Durham and Nockamixon, 1 838-1 842. 
Whetstone, Amos Moser. 

Millersville and Neffsville, 1 884-1 885. 
Whitecar, Charles Pitman. 

Chalfont, 1871-1872. 

WlCHTERMAN, JOSEPH. 

St. Paul's, Allentown, 1793. 
Wieting, Archibald. 

Sandy Hollow, 1 844-1 853. 

Middletown (resident), 1 85 2- 1 862. 
Wildbahn, Charles Frederick. 

Trinity, Reading, 1 782-1 796. 
Wile, Harry Barr. 

St. Peter's, Easton, 1880-1885. 
Willard, Philip. 

Schuylkill Haven, 1 861-1864. 

Pottsville (Supply), 1862. 

Financial Agent Lutheran Board of Publication, 1 863- 1868. 

Superintendent Tressler Orphans' Home, Loysville, 1 869-1 889. 



368 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Williams, John Rentzle. 

Bethany, Philadelphia, 1 883- 1 888. 

Chalfont, 1888. 
Willox, John Robert. 

Friesburg, 1 842-1 851. 

Riegelsville Charge, 1851-1861. 
Wirt, John Adam. 

Lykens and Williamstown, 1877-1883. 
Wordman, Henry Burchard Gabriel. 

Trinity, Reading, 1 752-1 753. 
Yeager — See Jaeger. 
Yeiser, Alfred. 

Schuylkill Haven, 1 866-1 876. 
YiNGLiNG, Samuel. 

St. John's, Steelton, 1 878-1 880. 

Shoop's Charge, 1 878-1 881. 
Young, John David. 

Manheim, 1 789-1 790. 

Zimmerman, Amos K.* 

Union Deposit Charge, 1 885-1 887. 
Zimmerman, Isaac Peter. 

Mahanoy City, 1887-date. 

* Not a true " Initial," but merely a distinctive letter adopted for convenience. 



INDEX 



CHURCHES AND PASTORAL CHARGES, 



Ackermanville 238 

Allentown, St. Matthew's 201 

Allentown, St. Paul's 78 

Allowaystown, X. J 49 

All Saints', Philadelphia 289 

Annville Charge 58 

Annville Church 60 

Ardmore 90 

Ashland, St. James' 215 

Ashland, Zion's 211 

Augsburg, Harrisburg 1 30, 308 

Barren Hill 95 

Bartonsville 89 

Bellegrove 182 

Berbice, S. A. 309 

Berrysburg Charge 136 

Berrysburg Church 137 

Bethany, Millersville 245 

Bethany, Philadelphia 279 

Bethel, Berbice, S. A 322 

Bethesda, Berbice, S. A 322 

Bethlehem, Harrisburg 13c, 284 

Bowerman's 135 

Brickerville 52 

Bridgeton, X.J- 304 

Brodheadsville » . 90 

Calvary, Philadelphia 259 

Carsonville 1 36 

Centennial, Kimberton 116, 117 



Central, Phcenixville 1 16, 271 

Centreville 228 

Chalfont 214 

Christ, Bellegrove 182 

Christ, Easton 249 

Christ, Harrisburg 295 

Christ's, Bridgeton, X. J 304 

Christ's, Hamilton 86 

Christ's, Springtown 64 

Christ's, Stone Church 228 

Coatesville 299 

Cohansey 49 

Columbia, Salem 1 79 

Columbia, Second Street 179 

Conshohocken 296 

Dauphin 1 75 

Dublin, Upper 69 

Durham 63 

Easton, Christ 249 

Easton, St. John's 248 

Easton, St. Paul's 248, 262 

Easton, St. Peter's 262 

East Petersburg Charge 144 

East Petersburg Church 144 

Ebenezer, Berbice, S. A 309 

Emanuel, Friesburg, X. J '. 49 

Emanuel's, Pottsville 171 

Emanuel's, Williamstown 253 

English, Minersville 191 



(369 



37° 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



English, Pottsville 171 

Fetterhoff's 133 

First, Annville 60 

First, Shenandoah '. 278 

First, Stewartsville, N. J 197 

Fisherville Charge 132 

Fisherville Church 135 

Fogelsville 154 

Forster Street, Harrisburg. ..130, 224 

Friesburg, N. J 49 

Germantown, St. Michael's 155 

Germantown, Trinity 155, 156 

Gordon 272 

Grace, Manheim 145 

Grace, Philadelphia 247 

Greenwich, N. J 104 

Hamilton Charge 86 

Hamilton Church 86 

Harrisburg, Augsburg 130, 308 

Harrisburg, Bethlehem 130, 284 

Harrisburg, Christ 130, 295 

Harrisburg, Memorial 130, 256 

Harrisburg,Messiah(Forster st) 130,224 

Harrisburg, Trinity 131, 306 

Harrisburg, Zion, 127, 224,256,284,306 
Harrisburg and Steelton Ch'ge, 13 1,306 

Hill, Annville 58 

Hill, Kissel . . 146 

Hill, Sand 76 

Hoernerstown 77 

Hummelstown 72 

Huntersville 213 

Immanuel, Norwood 287 

Jacksonville 136 

Jacob's, Pine Grove Charge 118 

Jerusalem, Schuylkill Haven 220 

Killinger 136 

Kimberton 116, 117 

Kintnersville Charge 65 

Kissel Hill 146 

Lafayette Hill 95 



PAGE 

Lancaster, St. John's 201 

Lancaster, St. Stephen's 260 

Lancaster, Trinity 201 

Lebanon, Salem 165 

Lebanon, Seventh Street 207 

Lebanon, Zion 165, 207 

Lionville Charge 148' 

Lionville Church 116, 149, 150 

Lititz Charge 146 

Lititz Church 147 

Londonderry 144 

Lower Merion 90 

Lower Mt. Bethel 236 

Lykens 195 

Lyons Charge 231 

Lyons Church 232 

Macungie 233 

Mahanoy City 241 

Manheim, Grace 145 

Manheim, Zion's no 

Martin's Creek Charge 236 

Martin's Creek, Mt. Zion 236 

Martin's Creek, Trinity 236 

Maytown 105 

Memorial, Harrisburg 130, 256 

Memorial (Bethany), Philadelphia. 279 

Messiah, Fisherville 135 

Messiah, Harrisburg 130, 224 

Messiah, Philadelphia 238 

Middletown 99 

Milford, Upper 234 

Millersburg 138 

Millersville 245 

Minersville 191 

Minersville and Tremont Charge. .191 

Mohrsville 234 

Mount Bethel, Lower 236 

Mount Bethel, Upper 228 

Mount Carmel, Berbice, S. A 322 

Mount Eden 276 

Mount Eton 90 

Mt. Hermon, Berbice, S. A 322 

Mt. Lebanon, Berbice, S. A 322 



INDEX OF CHURCHES AND PASTORAL CHARGES. 



371 



PAGE 

Mt. Zion, near Lebanon 209 

Mt. Zion, Martin's Creek 236 

Neffsville 147 

New Amsterdam, S. A 309 

Nockamixon 65 

Northampton (Allentown) 78 

Norwood 287 

Oberlin 1 26 

Palmyra Charge 182 

Palmyra Church 182 

Philadelphia, All Saints' 289 

Philadelphia, Bethany 279 

Philadelphia, Calvary 259 

Philadelphia, Grace 247 

Philadelphia, Memorial 279 

Philadelphia, Messiah 238 

Philadelphia, St. John's 141 

Philadelphia,St.Matthew's 140,141,238 

Philadelphia, St. Michael's 140 

Philadelphia, Zion's 141 

Phillipsburg, N. J 104 j 

Phcenixville 271 

Pikeland Charge 1 14 

Pikeland Church 114' 

Pine Grove Charge 118 

Pine Grove, St. John's 120 

Pine Grove, St. Peter's 119 

Pleasantville 233 

Pottsville, Emanuel's 171 

Pottsville, English 171 

Puff's 69 

Raubsville 1 89 : 

Reading, St. Matthew's 159 

Reading, Trinity 159 j 

Rexmont 57 

Richland 57 ' 

Riegelsville Charge 184 

Riegelsville Church 184 

St. James', Ashland 215 

St. James', Carsonville 136 

St. James', Chalfont 214 

St. James', Greenwich, X. J. , 104 



PAGE 

St. John's, Bartonsville 89 

St. John's, Brickerville 52 

St. John's, Easton. 248 

St. John's, Fogelsville. 154 

St. John's, Hoernerstown 77 

St. John's, Lancaster 20: 

St. John's, Mahanoy City 241 

St. John's, Maytown 105 

St. John's, Palmyra 182 

St. John's, Philadelphia ........ 141 

St. John's, Pine Grove 120 

St. John's, Pleasantville 233 

St. John's, Steelton 266 

St. John's, Tremont 192 

St. John's, Union Deposit 77 

St. Mark's, Conshohocken 296 

St. Mark's, Hamilton Charge 88 

St. Mark's, Steelton 301 

St. Matthew's, Allentown 291 

St.Matthew's,Lionville Charge. 116,149 

St. Matthew's, Macungie 233 

St. Matthew's,Philadelphia 140,141,238 

St. Matthew's, Reading 159 

St. Matthew's, Schuylkill Haven . . 220 

St. Michael's, Germantown 155 

St. Michael's, Philadelphia 140 

St. Paul's, Allentown 78 

St. Paul's, Ardmore 90 

St. Paul's, Easton 248, 262 

St. Paul's, Fisherville Charge .... 135 

St. Paul's, Gordon 272 

St.Paul's,Lionville Charge 116,149,150 

St. Paul's, Lititz 147 

St. Paul's, Lyons Station 232 

St. Paul's, Millersburg 138 

St. Paul's, Raubsville 189 

St. Paul's, Schuylkill Haven 220 

St. Paul's, Steelton 307 

St. Paul's, Stone Church 228 

St. Paul's, Strausstown 235 

St. Paul's, Tannersville 88 

St. Peter's, Easton 262 

St. Peter's, Fisherville Charge . . . . 1 33 
St. Peter s, Lafayette Hill 95 



37 2 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 



PAGE 

St. Peter's, Middletown 99 

St. Peter's, Nerfsville 147 

St. Peter's, Pikeland 114 

St. Peter's, Pine Grove 119 

St. Peter's, Riegelsville 184 

St. Stephen's, Lancaster 260 

Salem, Berrysburg 137 

Salem, Columbia 1 79 

Salem, Killinger 136 

Salem, Kissel Hill 146 

Salem, Lebanon 165 

Salem, Lyons Charge 234 

Salem's, Oberlin 126 

Salem's, Pine Grove Charge n3 

Sand Hill 76 

Sandy Hollow 76 

Schaefferstown Charge 52 

Schaefferstown Church 55 

Schuylkill Haven, Jerusalem 220 

Schuylkill Plaven, St. Matthew's . . 220 

Schuylkill Haven, St. Paul's 220 

Schuylkill Haven, White Church . . 220 

Second Street, Columbia 1 79 

Seventh Street, Lebanon 207 

Shenandoah 278 

Shoop's Charge 122 

Shoop's Church 122 

Springfield 62 

Springtown Charge 62 

Springtown Church 64 

Star of Bethlehem 136 

Steelton, St. John's 266 

Steelton, St. Mark's 301 

Steelton, St. Paul's 307 

Stewartsville, X. J 197 

Stone Church, Christ's 228 

Stone Church, St. Paul's 228 

Strausstown 235 

Straw's, Fisherville Charge 135 

Straw's, Greenwich, X.J 104 

Tannersville 88 

Tinicum, Upper 65 

Templeman Chapel 57 

Tremont 192 



Trinity, Coatesville 299 

Trinity, Germantown 15;, 156 

Trinity, Harrisburg 131, 306 

Trinity, Lancaster 201 

Trinity, Londonderry 144 

Trinity, Martin's Creek 236 

J Trinity, Reading 159 

Trinity, Springfield 62 

Uhlersville 1 89 

Union, Durham 63 

Union, Mohrsville 234 

Union, Xockamixon 65 

Union, YVhitemarsh 66 

l Union Deposit Charge 76 

Union Deposit Church 77 

Upper Dublin 69 

Upper Milford 234 

Upper Mount Bethel 228 

Upper Tinicum 65 

Upper Uwchlan 149 

Uwchlan 1 50 

Uwchlan, Upper 116, 149 



Vincent, Zion 148 

Vincent, West 116, 149 

Warwick * 52 

Wert's 136 

White Church,n'r Schuylkill Haven220 

Whitemarsh Charge 66 

Whitemarsh Church 66 

Williamstown * . . . . 253 

Zion, Dauphin 175 

Zion, Harrisburg 127 

Zion, Lebanon 165, 207 

Zion, Lykens 195 

Zion, Lionville 148 

Zion. Mount, near Lebanon 209 

Zion's, Ackermanville. 238 

Zion's, Ashland 211 

Zion's, East Petersburg 144 

Zion's Hummelstown 72 

Zion's, Manheim no 

Zion's, Philadelphia 141 

Zion's, Vincent 148 



CONSTITUTION 



EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD 



EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



(Adopted at Lancaster. September. 1892.) 



ARTICLE I. 

NAME. ORGANIZATION AND MEETINGS. 

Section i. Name. The Name, Style and Title of this Synod shall be, "The 
Evangelical Lutheran Synod of East Pennsylvania." This Synod shall always 
be in connection with the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church 
in the United States. 

Sec. 2. Territory. The territory of this Synod shall be defined in general 
terms as that part of South-eastern Pennsylvania between the Delaware and 
Susquehanna rivers. 

Sec. 3. Members. This Synod shall consist of all the ordained ministers 
and licentiates submitting to this Constitution, together with the lay delegates 
from the pastorates within its bounds. Ministers in the general service of the 
church may likewise become members. 

Sec. 4. Congregations. Any Evangelical Lutheran congregation may be- 
come connected with the Synod, if within its bounds, by acceding to the pro- 
visions of this Constitution. Isolated congregations outside of its territory 
may also be admitted by special action of the Synod. 

Sec. 5. Lay Delegates. Each pastorate shall have the right to send one lay 
delegate to Synod. Any congregation or congregations not properly organ- 
ized into a pastorate, or any congregation of a pastorate having any matter to 
present, may send a commissioner, who may be heard in behalf of said congre- 
gation, but shall have no vote. 

(373 ) 



374 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Sec. 6. Meetings. The Synod shall meet annually at such time and place 
as may be determined, official notice thereof being given at least four weeks 
previous to the time appointed. Special meetings shall be called, when re- 
quested by one-fourth of the ordained ministers, at such time and place as the 
President may designate, notice thereof being given in the church papers at 
least three weeks previous, stating the object; and the business shall be con- 
fined to what is stated in the call. 

Sec. 7. Other Ministers. Ministers from other Lutheran Synods may be in- 
vited to seats, but they shall have no vote. Their names, when thus invited, 
shall be entered on the Minutes. Ministers in good standing in other ortho- 
dox denominations may be introduced to Synod. 

Sec. 8. Quorum. Two-fifths of the members of Synod shall constitute a 
quorum, provided that one-third of the ordained ministers of Synod be 
present. 

Sec. 9. Elections. All elections shall be by ballot. 

ARTICLE II. 

DOCTRINAL BASIS. 

The Doctrinal Basis shall be " the Word of God, as contained in the Canon- 
ical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as the only infallible rule of 
faith and practice, and the Augsburg Confession as a correct exhibition of the 
fundamental doctrines of the Divine Word, and of the faith of our Church 
founded upon that Word." 

ARTICLE III. 

JURISDICTION. 

SECTION I. Maintaining Order. It shall be the duty of Synod to maintain 
order and good government among the churches within its bounds, and to this 
end it shall see that the rules of government and discipline prescribed in this 
Constitution and in the Formula of the General Synod are properly observed 
by the pastors and churches under its care. 

Sec. 2. Promotion of Piety. It shall be the duty of Synod to devise and ex- 
ecute all suitable measures for the promotion of piety and the general prosper- 
ity of the Church, and to provide supplies for destitute congregations. 

Sec. 3. Forming Pastorates. It shall have power to form and change pas- 
torates, paying due regard to the rights and wishes of congregations. (See 
Art. VI.) 

Sec. 4. Exclusion. It shall have power to exclude from Svnodical fellow- 
ship any congregation obstinately refusing to comply with the regulations and 
decisions of Synod, and no congregation thus excluded shall be served by any 
minister belonging to Synod, except by special permission of Synod or of the 
President. 

Sec. 5. Appeals. It shall receive appeals from the decisions of Church 
Councils and Conferences, when regularly brought before it, and shall review 
the proceedings and decisions to which they refer, and shall have full power 



CONSTITUTION. 375 

to affirm or reverse the same, or to determine the questions presented thereby. 
Notice of such appeals must be given to the Council or Conference by the ap- 
pellant, with the reasons in full, within three weeks after the time when the 
decision was rendered, and a full record of the case must be furnished the 
Synod by the Council or Conference. Upon the filing of such notice by the 
appellant, as above provided for, it shall be the duty of the Clerk or Secretary 
of such Church Council or Conference, within ten days thereafter, to make out 
a complete record of the case, with the findings thereon, and transmit it with 
the original papers to the Clerk or Secretary of the body to which such appeal 
may be taken. 

Sec. 6. Citing Witnesses. It may cite church members to appear and give 
testimony, and may endeavor to obtain other witnesses if the case require it. 

Sec. 7. Charges against Ministers. It shall have power to examine and 
decide all charges against ministers and licentiates, except such as may be 
otherwise specially provided for by this Constitution. 

ARTICLE IV. 

OFFICERS OF SYNOD. 

Section i. Officers. The officers of Synod shall be a President, Secretary 
and Treasurer, who shall be elected annually from among the ordained minis- 
ters, and who shall also be the officers of the Ministerium. The same persons 
shall not be eligible for more than three successive years. 

Sec. 2. President. [1] He shall preside at all meetings of the Synod, de- 
cide questions of order, subject to an appeal, and discharge all the duties usu- 
ally devolving on the presiding officer of such a body. 

[2] He shall appoint all committees not specially named or elected by 
Synod. 

[3] He shall, after the Synod is duly constituted by enrolling the names of 
the members, present a written report of all his official acts during the Synod- 
ical year, and may present such additional statements and recommendations, 
as in his judgment should claim the attention of Synod. The report shall be 
dealt with as other papers belonging to Synod. 

[4] He shall deliver a discourse at the opening of each annual meeting of 
Synod, or appoint a substitute; and shall, in connection with the pastor of the 
church, have direction of the religious services during Synod, and the appoint- 
ment of persons to preach; unless Synod shall appoint a special committee on 
religious services, of which he and the pastor shall be members. 

[5] He shall give advice to members of Synod and congregations when 
requested, or when in his judgment such advice is needed. 

[6] Should he become disqualified for the discharge of his duties, by re- 
moval from the Synodical bounds, resignation, sickness, death, or any cause, 
the Secretary shall succeed him and discharge the duties of the office until the 
next meeting of Synod. 



376 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

[7] He shall, with the Secretary, subscribe all official documents of the 
Synod, and sign all orders on the Treasury. 

[8] He shall perform the ceremony of ordination, assisted by the Secretary 
and Treasurer, and give to approved candidates letters of license, which, as 
well as certificates of ordination, he is to subscribe with his official signature. 

[9] He has authority to refer the adjustment of all matters requiring his 
decision in congregations to their respective Conferences, or in their interim to 
the Presidents thereof. A report of the proceedings shall be made to him. 

[10] He has authority to summon a meeting of the Church Council of any 
congregation or a congregational meeting, at the request of at least one-fourth 
of its electors, when the proper officers refuse to call it. 

Sec. 3. Secretary. [1] He shall keep an accurate and faithful record of all 
the proceedings of Synod, carefully preserve all the papers, seal, etc., of the 
Synod, subject to its direction, and shall do all the official writing not other- 
wise provided for. 

[2] He shall give notice (either by circular or in the church papers) of the 
time and place of the Synodical meeting, at least four weeks previous to the 
time appointed. 

[3] He shall keep a register of the names of all the ministers and licen- 
tiates, arranged according to their age in office, and also of all the congrega- 
tions. 

[4] He shall receive all moneys, keep an account thereof and give receipts, 
pay over the same semi-monthly to the Treasurer and take his receipt therefor. 
He shall give a bond for the faithful performance of his duties, the cost of the 
same to be paid by the Synod. 

[5] If the business should render it necessary, the President may appoint 
an Assistant Secretary, whose office shall expire at the close of the meeting of 
Synod. 

[6] Should he become disqualified for the discharge of his duties, the Presi- 
dent shall require all the property of Synod in his possession, to be delivered 
to him, and shall appoint a Secretary to act until the meeting of Synod. 

Sec. 4. Treasurer. [1] He shall receive from the Secretary all moneys, and 
hold them, together with all bonds, certificates and documents, subject to the 
order of the Synod. 

[2] He shall keep, and present at each annual meeting of Synod, a detailed 
and faithful account of the state of the Treasury. He shall give a bond for 
the faithful performance of the duties of his office, the cost of the same to be 
paid by the Synod. 

[3] Should he become disqualified for the discharge of his duties, the Presi- 
dent shall take charge of all the moneys, certificates, bonds, etc., belonging to 
Synod, and retain them until a Treasurer is elected at the next meeting of 
Synod. 

Sec. 5. In the interim of the meetings of Synod, the administration of its 
affairs shall be entrusted to its officers, whose action shall be authoritative 



CONSTITUTION. 377 

and binding upon all parties owing allegiance thereto, subject, however, to 
appeal at the next ensuing meeting of Synod. 

ARTICLE V. 

MINISTERS. 

Section i. Pastoral Interference. No minister or licentiate shall preach 
or perform other ministerial acts in the pastorate of another except by his con- 
sent, or, in his absence, by that of the Church Council. 

Sec. 2. Dismission. Any minister or licentiate, in good standing, who re- 
moves into the bounds of another Synod, shall, on application to the Presi- 
dent, receive a certificate of honorable dismission, and such a certificate shall 
be required by the Synod of those applying for admission into it. 

Sec. 3. Admission. Any minister or licentiate of any Synod belonging to 
the General Synod, called to any of our churches, shall present to our Presi- 
dent a letter of honorable dismission within one month from the date of tak- 
ing charge ; and upon so doing shall be regarded as a member of this body 
and under its jurisdiction. In the case of a licentiate, his ordination shall be 
performed by this Synod, unless for satisfactory reasons the President shall 
determine otherwise. 

Sec. 4. Reception of Ministers from other Ecclesiastical Bodies. Ministers 
from other ecclesiastical bodies can only be received by a two-thirds vote of the 
Mmisterium, upon recommendation of the Examining Committee, and by 
publicly subscribing to the doctrinal basis of the Synod. 

Sec. 5. Xotice to the President. Any minister resigning or accepting a pas- 
torate shall give due notice thereof to the President. 

ARTICLE VI. 

CONGREGATIONS AND PASTORATES. 

Section i. The Council of a congregation, or the Joint Council of a charge, 
may consider and act on the resignation of a pastor. 

Sec. 2. A pastor cannot resign a portion of his pastorate and continue to 
serve the remaining part, without consent of the Joint Council and the ap- 
proval of the President of Synod. 

Sec. 3. No congregation or congregations shall withdraw from the pastor- 
ate with which it is connected, without the consent of the Joint Council and 
the approval of the President of Synod. 

Sec. 4. If any members of the congregation desire for good cause to organ- 
ize themselves into a new congregation, they must first be dismissed for that 
purpose, and any organization formed without such dismission shall be re- 
garded irregular, and any minister of the General Synod participating in such 
organization shall make himself liable to charges. 

Sec. 5. No congregation shall make any enactments in conflict with this 
Constitution or with the Formula of Government. 



378 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Sec. 6. Any vacant congregation in arrears to a former pastor shall be re- 
quired to make satisfactory adjustment thereof before calling a successor. 

Sec. 7. Vacant congregations shall report to the President of Synod at 
once, and are requested to confer with him with a view to being supplied with 
a pastor as soon as possible. 

ARTICLE VII. 

EDUCATION. 

Section, i. Education Committee. There shall be an Education Committee 
of five, at least three of whom shall be ordained ministers, to which all appli- 
cations for beneficiary aid shall be made, and who shall obtain from the in- 
structors of beneficiaries the official report annually of their scholarship and 
deportment, and who shall make a detailed statement to the Synod annually. 

Sec. 2. Qualifications of Applicants. The applicant shall have been a 
member of the Lutheran Church for at least one year, and must be qualified 
to enter the Freshman class in Pennsylvania College. He shall, if deemed ne- 
cessary, submit to a physical examination, and give evidence of industry, intel- 
lectual endowment, piety, and a call to the ministry. 

Sec. 3. Obligations. Every beneficiary shall be required to take a full 
course in college and seminary, unless otherwise permitted by Synod, or by 
consent of the Committee. He shall be required to give promissory notes to 
the Treasurer of Synod for the amounts received by him, which notes shall be 
canceled when he shall have been in the ministry three years, provided he is 
in connection with some Synod belonging to the General Synod. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

DELEGATES. 

Section i. Delegates to General Synod. In the election of delegates to 
the General Synod, principals shall be first balloted for, and afterward alter- 
nates; and after the second ballot the persons having the lowest number of 
votes shall be dropped. No clerical member shall be eligible more than 
twice in succession, unless he be President or Secretary of the General 
Synod. When a delegate-elect shall remove beyond the bounds of the 
Synod, before the meeting of the General Synod, he shall not be entitled to 
represent the Synod, provided always, that ministers in the general service of 
the Church shall be exempt from this rule. 

Sec. 2. Directors of the Theological Seminary. This Synod shall elect the 
required number of Directors of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, for a 
term of five years, who are expected to be constant and faithful in attendance 
upon the meetings of the Board. 

ARTICLE IX. 

CONFERENCES. 

Section i. The Synod shall divide itself into Conference Districts for the 
purpose of holding Conference meetings. 



CONSTITUTION. 379 

Sec. 2. The chief object of such meetings shall be the preaching of the 
Word, mutual consultation and encouragement in the work of the Lord, the 
promotion of the cause of religion among the churches represented, and the 
fuller development of the possibilities of the district. 

Sec. 3. Conferences shall be entrusted with the organization of new 
churches, the supply of vacant congregations with preaching, the formation 
and maintenance of pastorates. 

Sec. 4. The records of the proceedings of Conferences shall be submitted 
to Synod for examination and review, and an abstract thereof read by their 
Secretaries at the meeting of Synod. 

ARTICLE X. 

PROCESS AGAINST A MINISTER. 

Section i. As the honor and success of the Gospel depend very much on 
the character of its ministers, Synod ought to guard with the utmost care and 
impartiality the conduct of its members. 

Sec. 2. All Christians should be very cautious in giving credit or circulation 
to an evil report of any member of the church, and especially of a minister of 
the Gospel. If any member knows a minister to be guilty of a private censur- 
able fault, he should warn him in private ; if this prove truitless, he should 
apply to the Church Council, who shall proceed as specified in Chap. III., 
Sec. 5, of Formula of Government. 

Sec. 3. If accusation be lodged, according to Chap. III., Sec. 5, with the 
President within two months of the next Synodical meeting, he shall defer the 
matter to said meeting; yet, if the charge be one of gross immorality, or circu- 
lating fundamental error in doctrine, he shall immediately direct the accused 
to suspend all his ministerial duties until his case is decided. If such accusa- 
tion be lodged with the President at an earlier date, he shall, if the charge be 
one of gross immorality, or circulating fundamental error in doctrine, im- 
mediately appoint a committee of five ordained ministers of the Synod, to 
meet without unnecessary delay at a suitable place, and institute a formal in- 
vestigation of the case, according to the principles of the Formula. The 
chairman of the committee shall give at least ten days' notice of the time and 
place of meeting to all parties concerned. 

Sec. 4. The President may, at his discretion, intrust the matter to Confer- 
ence, and notify the members to meet and proceed as above. 

Sec. 5. Any three members of the committee, or a majority of the Con- 
ference thus meeting, shall have power to proceed and hold a fair and impar- 
tial investigation of the case, and to take all such necessary measures as may 
be just and proper to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. 

Sec. 6. If the accused confess, and the matter be such as gross immorality, 
or circulating fundamental error, he shall be immediately suspended from the 
exercise of the office until the meeting of Synod. 

Sec. 7. If a minister accused of gross offences, being duly notified, refuses 
to attend the investigation, he shall be immediately suspended from office. 



380 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Sec. 8. If the accused deny the charge, and yet, on examination of the evi- 
dence, be found guilty, the committee or Conference shall nevertheless proceed 
to pass sentence on him. 

Sec. 9. The highest punishment which can be inflicted by a committee or 
special Conference, appointed as above specified, is suspension from clerical 
functions; and this sentence is to be reported at the next meeting of the 
Synod, and remain in force until reversed by the Synod. 

Sec. 10. Any minister intending to appeal from the decision of a com- 
mittee or Conference, shall give notice to the chairman of the committee or 
Conference, within three weeks after the decision was made, that both parties 
may be prepared for a new trial. 

Sec. 11. Conferences, not specially convened for the purpose, may attend 
to any charges of importance against a minister within their bounds, if all the 
parties concerned are prepared and willing to proceed. 

Sec. 12. If at any time the accusation be lodged with the President, accord- 
ing to Chap. III., Sec. 5, for a less offence than those specified in Sec. 3 of this 
Article, he shall take no other steps in the case than to exhort accused and 
accusers to mutual forbearance, and to refer them to the next Synod. 

Sec. 13. If accusation against a minister, present or absent, be made imme- 
diately to the Synod, and the Synod believe itself in possession of all the evi- 
dence necessary to a just decision, the case may be immediately examined 
and sentence passed, provided the accused shall have had fifteen days' notice, 
together with a written specification of the charges brought against him. But 
if the necessary evidence be not before Synod, and the offense be such as 
specified in Sec. 3, it shall be intrusted to a committee or Conference, to pro- 
ceed as above specified. 

Sec. 14. If a minister be found guilty of gross immorality or circulating fun- 
damental error in doctrine, his sentence of suspension shall not be removed 
until he shall give satisfactory evidence of penitence and reformation, and his 
restoration shall be by the same judicatory which suspended him, or at its 
recommendation. 

Sec. 15. If the common report of a minister's guilt of any of the charges 
above specified be such as seriously to injure the cause of religion, and his 
own church do not proceed against him, it shall be the duty of any other 
minister or layman, having obtained signatures of two other credible men, to 
report the case to the President. 

ARTICLE XL 

MINISTERIUM. 

Section i. The Ministerium is composed of the ordained ministers of 
Synod. 

Sec. 2. Licensed candidates may be present, unless requested to withdraw, 
and may take part in the discussions, but have no vote. 

Sec. 3. The Ministerium shall be the proper body, by whom all charges 



CONSTITUTION. 3 8 1 

of heresy against a minister are to be examined and decided; as also all ap- 
peals from the decision of a church council on a charge of heresy against 
a layman, or from the decision of a special Conference on a similar charge 
against a minister. 

Sec. 4. When ordained ministers of other religious denominations make 
application for admission into connection with the Synod, the Ministerium 
shall be the body to decide on the case. 

Sec. 5. A two-thirds vote of the ordained ministers present shall be re- 
quired for the licensure of an applicant, the renewal of his license, the ordi- 
nation of a licensed candidate, or for the admission of an ordained minister 
of another denomination. 

Sec. 6. All business not specifically entrusted to the Ministerium in this 
Constitution, shall belong to the Synod. 

Sec. 7. The order of business of the Ministerium may be as follows : 

(1) Opening with prayer. 

(2) Communication by the President of any business he may have to 
report. 

(3) Presentation of names of applicants for Licensure. 

(4) Presentation of applications for Ordination. 

(5) Presentation of applications for admission of ministers from other 
denominations. 

(6) Reports of Examining or other Committees appointed by the Minis- 
terium. 

(7) Promiscuous business relating to the ministry. 

(8) Closing with prayer. 

ARTICLE XII. 
licensure and licentiates. 

Section i. All applications for licensure must be made to the President 
of Synod. 

Sec. 2. Applicants must appear before the Examining Committee, which 
must always be composed of ordained ministers, and, upon satisfactory evi- 
dence of fitness by testimonials from the Faculty of a Lutheran Theological 
Seminary of the General Synod, may be recommended to the Ministerium 
for licensure without further examination. Cases not covered by the forego- 
ing rule must be referred by the President to the Ministerium for special 
action. 

Sec. 3. A licentiate shall have power to perform all ministerial acts during 
the time specified in his license. 

Sec. 4. A licentiate shall have the same rights and privileges in Synod as 
ordained ministers, except to hold office. 

Sec. 5. A licentiate before accepting a call must obtain the consent of the 
President of Synod. 



382 EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD. 

Sec. 6. A licentiate, after he has taken a charge, shall not leave it without 
the sanction of the Synod, or of the President. 

Sec. 7. All licenses shall extend to the time of the next annual meeting of 
the Ministerium. 

Sec. 8. Every licentiate must keep a journal of his ministerial acts, which, 
with a few sermons and his certificate of licensure, he must deliver to the 
President annually at the opening of Synod for the inspection of the Minis- 
terium. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

ORDINATION. 

Section i. All applicants for ordination must appear before the Examin- 
ing Committee and submit to a thorough examination in at least the following 
subjects : Personal Piety, and the motives of the applicant for seeking the holy 
office, Hebrew, New Testament Greek, English Bible, the Evidences of 
Christianity, Natural and Revealed Theology, Church History, the Augsburg 
Confession, Pastoral Theology, Homiletics and Church Government, and shall 
be recommended to the Synod for ordination upon favorable report of the 
Committee and by a two-thirds vote of the Ministerium. 

Sec. 2. Whenever the Synod has decided that an individual shall be or- 
dained, the ceremony may be performed either at the meeting of Synod, or, if 
preferred, in the church by which he has been called, by the special Confer- 
ence, or by a Committee appointed for the purpose by the President of Synod. 

ARTICLE XIV. 

INSTALLATION. 

Section i. When a minister is ordained in his own church, his installation, 
according to the usual form, should take place at the same service. 

Sec. 2. Any minister called to labor in any of the congregations of this 
Synod, and duly accredited according to Sec. 3, Art. V., may at any time after 
the presentation and acceptance of his credentials be installed as pastor by a 
committee appointed by the President. 

ARTICLE XV. 

AMENDMENTS. 

This Constitution may be altered or amended by a two-thirds vote of the 
Synod, provided notice has been given one year previous. 

ARTICLE XVI. 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

/. General Order. 

1. Opening Prayer. 

2. Calling of the Roll. 

3. Reading of the Minutes. 

4. Unfinished Business. 



CONSTITUTION. 383 

5. Reports. 

6. New Business. 

7. Closing Prayer. 

II. Special Order. 

1. Wednesday evening — Opening Sermon and Synodical Communion. 

2. Thursday, 9 a. m. — Opening of Synod, with Singing, Reading of Scrip- 
tures and Prayer. Calling the Roll. Presentation of Certificates by Lay 
Delegates. Presentation of Credentials by Commissioners. Reception of 
New Members. President's Report. Election of Officers. Rules of Order. 
Annual Reports of Conference Secretaries. 

3. Thursday, p. m. — Appointment of Committees. Admission of Applicants 
for Licensure and Ordination. Vacant for Committee Work. 

4. Thursday evening — Sermon. Church Extension. 

5. Friday, a. m. — Report of Treasurer. Education. 

6. Friday, p. m. — Theological and Literary Institutions. Vacant for Com- 
mittee Work after 3.30. 

7. Friday evening — Sermon. Education. 

8. Saturday, a. m. — Parochial Reports. 

9. Saturday, p. m. — Publicaticn. Systematic Benevolence. Meeting of 
Ministerium. 

10. Saturday evening — Religious Services. 

11. Sunday, a.m. — Preaching. 

12. Sunday, p. m. — Sunday-school Service. 

13. Sunday evening — Sermon. 

14. Monday, a. m. — Home Missions. Church Extension. Vacant Congre- 
gations. 

iq. Monday, p. m. — Foreign Missions. Orphans' Home. 

16. Monday evening — Sermons. Missions. 

17. Tuesday, a. m. — Sunday-schools. 

18. Tuesday, p. m. — Ministerium. Appointment of Speakers. 

19. Tuesday evening — Licensure and Ordination. 



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